News

A Look Back at 2022 December 2022

​​​​​​ Greetings from Smart Start of Mecklenburg County! I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying a fun start to the holiday season with friends and family.

A Massive Education Plan That Could Transform CMS Hangs in the Balance November 2022

Original Article by Alexandria Sands | November 14, 2022   At a time when Charlotte-Mecklenburg student performance lags, the state's highest court has nudged forward a remedial education plan with an estimated $278 million for the local school system.

November is Family Engagement Month November 2022

At Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, the month of November is special to us for many reasons.

Smart Start and Read Charlotte Partner to Bring A2i to MECK Pre-K Classrooms October 2022

A2i is an evidence-based platform designed to help teachers and instructional coaches make data-informed decisions about how to use their existing curriculum and instructional time to meet each child's individual needs in regards to literacy learning.

Staying Ready October 2022

The calendar has flipped from from summer to fall.

CCRI Launches an Interactive Child Care Mapping Tool September 2022

Child Care Resources Inc.

WCNC Highlights WAGE$ September 2022

Original Article by Michelle Boudin September 1, 2022 CHARLOTTE, N.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Supports the Reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act August 2022

We measure success by our positive impact on the families and community we serve.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Expands Footprint in Mecklenburg County August 2022

Amid the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Mecklenburg County has continued to mail children enrolled in the Charlotte area a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book to their house every month.

WAGE$ Lowers Teacher Turnover Rate and More August 2022

In FY21-22, WAGE$ was a funding partnership between Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC) and the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE).

Home Visiting July 2022

Last year, the U.

Shop for GOOD: How You Can Support Local Families with Young Children July 2022

  HOW TO GET INVOLVED Click here to shop Amazon Wish list.

MECK Pre-K, and Preparing Your Child for Pre-K Over the Summer July 2022

How to prepare your child for pre-kindergarten.

The Basics Mecklenburg and Atrium Health Announce New Partnership July 2022

The Basics Mecklenburg and Atrium Health have a great history of partnering together to bring early education materials and resources to children and families.

Meck Pre-K Graduation Day Highlights Program for Some of Meck County’s Youngest Students June 2022

Tuesday was graduation day for some of Mecklenburg County's youngest students the children finishing pre-K.

How To Prepare Your Child for Pre-k Over the Summer June 2022

Summer is just getting started but parents of young children should already be thinking about the start of next school year because starting pre-K or kindergarten can be a big adjustment.

Ready4K Impact Report | ’21-22 School Year June 2022

Literacy is one of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County's focus areas, to ensure children are prepared for kindergarten.

Join Us in Celebrating #TeacherThankYouWeek June 2022

Each year we celebrate #TeacherThankYouWeek during the first full week of June.

Infant Formula Shortage May 2022

Some families in North Carolina are facing challenges accessing infant formulas.

Innovation Grant Recipient Update | Queen City Cocoa B.E.A.N.S. May 2022

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is known for allocating state, county, and private funds to local early childhood serving agencies.

Renewal of Hope May 2022

For the past couple of years, readers of newsletters like these have been accustomed to the doom and gloom opening letter.

How Important Is Pre-K to Childhood Development? April 2022

Pre-kindergarten (also known as pre-K or PK) is an educational program for 4- and 5-year-olds.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Partners with Diaper Bank of North Carolina for Charlotte Expansion April 2022

Founded in 2013, the Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC) has advanced its vision that every family in North Carolina will have access to basic necessities to support their dignity, health, and quality of life.

Join us in Celebration for Week of the Young Child March 2022

North Carolina's future depends on our children today.

County Invests ARPA Funds to Support Smart Start of Mecklenburg County’s Home Visiting Plan March 2022

The Treasury Department allocated $215 million in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds to Mecklenburg County.

MECK Pre-K Registration for the 2022-2023 School Year is Now Open March 2022

Registration is now open for MECK Pre-K.

Celebrating While Recognizing February 2022

We are in the midst of Black History Month, a time where we celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history.

February is Family Support Awareness Month February 2022

February is Family Support Awareness Month.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Awards New Innovation Grants January 2022

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is known for its allocation of state, county, and private funds to local early childhood serving agencies.

Join Us For Our Annual Bidders’ Workshop January 2022

Smart Start is accepting program applications for the FY22-23 funding cycle.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Celebrates 5 Years in Charlotte January 2022

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is available to children in over 2,000 communities across the world, including Mecklenburg County.