Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become an internationally recognized early childhood book-gifting program.
 
Entertainment legend Dolly Parton developed the program so that every preschool child in her home of Sevier County, Tennessee, would have their own library of books to encourage reading and learning. The program was so successful and generated such interest from across the country that Dolly decided to offer her Imagination Library for replication in any community that would support it.  
 
Dolly recognized the power of books early on. As a child, she watched her hardworking, loving father struggle to read and write as he worked diligently to pull his family out of poverty. Therefore, Dolly created a program where all children could access this simple gift without restrictions; there are no income guidelines or harsh requirements.  

Now the program is available to children in over 2,000 communities across the world, including Mecklenburg County.
To ensure that all children turn five ready to thrive, Smart Start of Mecklenburg county focuses on three pillars. We Innovate, Collaborate & Convene, and Invest.

One example from our Innovate pillar is the launch of the Ready4K platform in partnership with Read Charlotte.

To date, we've sent 107,258 Ready4K messages to Mecklenburg County families with fun facts, easy tips, reinforcement, and encouragement to help parents support their children's development by building on everyday learning opportunities. In fact, 95% of parents are "likely or very likely" to recommend Ready4K to another parent*.
*Source: Ready4K analytics
Did you know income eligibility has been lifted for MECK Pre-K? This is a high-quality pre-kindergarten program available to eligible children in Mecklenburg County. It is County-funded and FREE of charge. Enrollment opens January 17 for the 2022 - 23 school year.
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County has identified a need for supportive services for child care facilities within our county. Therefore, we are seeking proposals to design a program to support the human resource needs of the early childcare community in Mecklenburg. The proposal should include access to qualified substitutes and employee benefits to help the professionalism of teaching staff and ensure high-quality programs are available to children 0 - 5 in Mecklenburg. To be considered, please submit proposal no later than 5:00PM on January 14.
At Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, we approach our work with the optimism inherent in the young children we serve. We do our work, not in isolation but with and through our partners in the community. As we embark upon a new year, we would love to hear your personal stories. Click the link below to share a testimonial about your experience with Smart Start of Mecklenburg County or one of our valued community partners.
*By submitting a testimonial you understand and acknowledge that Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is allowed to use your testimonial for marketing purposes such as landing pages, newsletters, social media, emails, etc.
Smart Start is accepting program applications for the FY22-23 funding cycle. You are invited to attend our upcoming workshop to learn more! Participation is not mandatory, however, attendance at the Bidders’ Conference is recommended.

Additional details about the process and access to the online grant application will be posted on the SSMC website starting on February 1, 2022. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on February 28th.

For questions, please contact Elizabeth Kabalka at ekabalka@smartstartofmeck.org.
We mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and support families to improve early childhood health, education, and development - all to help ensure children are prepared for kindergarten.

Click the links to learn more about our funded programs within our four areas of focus for children ages birth to five.
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