News

An Overview of Public Pre-K in Mecklenburg County December 2023

  The Three Public Pre-K Programs in North Carolina    MECK Pre-K is one of three public pre-k programs available in Mecklenburg County.

Uninsured? You May Now Qualify for Medicaid Health Coverage. December 2023

We are delighted to inform you that North Carolina recently expanded its Medicaid program, a monumental step towards ensuring better healthcare coverage for our fellow citizens.

November is Family Engagement Month November 2023

In the spirit of Family Engagement Month this November, we find inspiration in the invaluable contributions families make to the developmental journey of their young children.

September is National Literacy Month September 2023

September is all about celebrating literacy! It's easy - pick up a book and explore where it takes you! Raising awareness and interest in improving literacy in our community has a positive ripple effect.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month September 2023

At Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC), we know that learning begins at birth and that children's first teachers are their parents and caregivers.

A Thank You to Our 30th Anniversary Core Pillar Sponsor September 2023

McGuireWoods LLP is proud to support Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and its mission to improve early childhood health, education and development.

Learn More About Our Community Partner: Care Ring August 2023

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC) recognizes that every family wants their children to thrive.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Welcomes New Chief Impact Officer & New Chief Advancement Officer August 2023

Nonprofit organizations require a strong Chief Executive Officer to align the organization's strategy to meet the mission and vision.

A2i Pilot Expanding to More Meck Pre-K Classrooms After Promising First Year August 2023

Original Post Courtesy of Read Charlotte | July 12, 2023 On a recent day in a MECK Pre-K classroom, students sat in small groups, working on literacy-building activities like matching synonyms and counting syllables.

A Thank You to Our 30th Anniversary Core Pillar Sponsor July 2023

Rocket Fuel Brands is proud to support and promote the mission, message and services of the Meck Pre-K program.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Installs a "Mamava Solo Lactation" Pod to Its Office Suite July 2023

    Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is proud to announce the addition of a Mamava Solo lactation pod for its office suite.

A Thank You to Our 30th Anniversary Core Pillar Sponsor July 2023

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is proud to support Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and its mission to provide programs in the community that focus on early childhood care and education, family support, health, and literacy.

A Thank You to Our 30th Anniversary Featured Event Sponsor May 2023

For over 50 years, Kaplan Early Learning Company has been at the forefront of championing play as a vital component of early childhood education.

MECK Pre-K Site Administrators Attend a "Professional Learning Community" May 2023

This spring, MECK Pre-K site administrators attended their first Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting at Park Road Baptist Child Development Center.

Novant Health & Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Partner to Reach More Families with Young Children May 2023

Supporting a young child's growth, education, and development is critical to kindergarten readiness.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Observes Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2023

Video courtesy of WCNC April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is proudly a part of the Mecklenburg Child Abuse Prevention Team.

Families Adjust Spending Budget To Accommodate Child Care: ‘It Costs More Than Our Mortgage' April 2023

Parents are struggling to get help they can afford.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Partners with Inlivian to Bring Literacy Resources to Families April 2023

The literacy team of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC) have been a staple at family-friendly events across the county for years.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Welcomes New CEO April 2023

The Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Board of Directors and the Human Resources team at Ascend Non-Profit Solutions have conducted an extensive search and interview process.

Mecklenburg County Seeks Resident Support In Developing A Behavioral Health Strategic Plan March 2023

​ Mecklenburg County is developing a Behavioral Health Strategic Plan and is soliciting input from service providers and customers, individuals with lived experiences, and the community at-large, by way of community engagement meetings.

Family Forward NC Announces First Group of Certified Employers March 2023

Certified Employers Represent More Than 600 Employees in Communities Across NC Original Article by Emily Swartzlander | March 6, 2023 Raleigh, NC -- The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF) today announced the first 15 employers -- representing more than 600 employees -- to receive a Family Forward NC Certification.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Becomes a Family Forward NC Certified Employer March 2023

At Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC), we are committed to the health and well-being of our employees and their families.

Transitions February 2023

I recently made the difficult decision to step down from my position as CEO of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County at the end of our fiscal year (June 30th ).

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Announces its Third Annual Innovation Grant Recipients February 2023

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC) is committed to innovation in early childhood.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County & Care Ring Partner to Offer Free Physicals to Eligible Family Child Care Providers February 2023

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and Care Ring are excited to announce a new partnership, offering free physicals to eligible family child care providers through June 30, 2023.

MECK Pre-K Partners with Promising Pages to Provide Books for Students January 2023

Community partners enhance the MECK Pre-K experience in so many ways, and we are so grateful for their partnership with Promising Pages.