September is Smart Start Month in North Carolina, a time to celebrate the people and programs helping young children and families thrive.
Partnership for Children of the Foothills is proud to serve McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties as part of the statewide Smart Start Network, which includes 75 Local Partnerships serving all 100 North Carolina counties.
For more than 30 years, Smart Start and Partnership for Children of the Foothills have worked to strengthen the systems and services that support children from birth to age five. That work includes expanding access to high-quality early care and education, supporting families, promoting early literacy, and helping connect children and caregivers with resources that support healthy development.
Here in the Foothills, that mission comes to life in very local ways.
It looks like families learning and playing together through Play to Learn. Or through parents finding connection and encouragement at Circle of Parents groups. It takes shape through children building early skills through Part Day programming, families receiving books and literacy resources, and early childhood professionals receiving support that helps strengthen the care they provide.
“Smart Start Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate not only the programs we provide, but the families, early childhood professionals and community partners who make this work possible every day,” said Vanessa Parton, executive director of Partnership for Children of the Foothills. “The first five years of a child’s life create a foundation that can influence learning, health and wellbeing for years to come. When we invest in young children and support the adults who care for them, we are strengthening families and building stronger communities throughout the Foothills.”
Sharing the Stories Behind the Work
Throughout September, we’ll be sharing stories from families and participants who have experienced Smart Start-supported programs firsthand. These stories help show what early childhood investment really looks like — not simply in numbers, but in moments of connection, confidence, learning and support.
We hope these stories help our community better understand the role Smart Start plays in helping children get the strong start they deserve.
Strong Starts Strengthen Communities
Supporting young children benefits far more than individual families.
Access to quality early learning and dependable family support helps parents participate in the workforce. Supporting early childhood educators strengthens the workforce behind the workforce. And helping children build strong foundations early can contribute to better educational, health and economic outcomes later in life.
That is why Smart Start has always been about partnership. “Our work has always depended on partnership,” Parton said. “Whether someone is a parent, educator, health professional, employer, community leader or donor, there is a role for everyone in helping children get the strong start they deserve.”
Be Part of a Smart Start
Smart Start Month is a celebration, but it is also an invitation.
Follow Partnership for Children of the Foothills throughout September on social media as we share local stories, highlight programs and recognize the people who make this work possible, or join our e-newsletter updates monthly by signing up at www.PFCFoothills.org.
And if you are looking for a way to become more involved, consider supporting the work of Partnership for Children of the Foothills. Private support gives us additional flexibility to respond to local needs, strengthen programs and extend opportunities for children and families throughout McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties. You can donate here.
Because a strong community starts with a strong start for every child.
Learn more, follow our Smart Start Month stories and find ways to get involved at
