A Partnership for Children

North Carolina Wins Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant
Friday, December 16th, 2011 | Author: Tracy

North Carolina was among nine winners chosen from 37 applicants. In addition to North Carolina, the winners included California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington.

"This is incredible news for North Carolina! It is the result of decades of work building the nation's most sophisticated early childhood system. Just think, two decades ago North Carolina had one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation, the worst child care standards in the country, and only 33% of children attending child care in high quality care. Today, we have turned that on its head; the infant mortality rate is the lowest in our state's history, our child care standards are among the nation's best, and two-thirds of children in child care are in high quality care. This grant will allow North Carolina to take our system to the next level, ensuring that all children have the experiences needed to build a foundation for learning and to grow into healthy, successful adults. We must continue to invest in our youngest children both at the federal and state level," said Dr. Olson Huff, Board Chair of The North Carolina Partnership for Children.



Mission: The mission of this agency is to nurture and support families with children ages of birth to five years of age so that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Vision: Our vision is that all young children in the county will be healthy and ready to enter school.

Roles: The roles of the organization include: distributing materials related to education and information on health, nutrition and safety by attending local events such as ChildFest, the Fourth of July Riverwalk, and Art on the Square.

Services: Avery County Smart Start; A Partnership for Children offers services and support to increase the quality of childcare providers and by making quality enhancement services available to childcare centers. Consultation regarding issues that affect child health and safety are also accessible to teachers.

Other Services: Other services offered to parents and young children include: parenting classes, pre-literacy programs and activities, referral services, and intervention for children with special needs.

Avery County Smart Start will advocate for children and families locally and on the state level.

Some more about us..........

Avery County Smart Start, Inc. is a non-profit organization charged with implementing North Carolina's Smart Start and More at Four school readiness programs for children birth through age five. This organization has a successful record of improving the quality of child care, parenting resources, access to health care, and other support systems for Avery County children. Avery County Smart Start is a catalyst for bringing different groups together for the sake of children. By educating the community of the critical needs of young children, we can all work together to develop solutions for those in need.

Economic development experts say that a world-class education system will attract businesses to our state. First-class early childhood support is part of that system and it contributes to the quality of life for our community.

Studies have shown that all, and especially low-income children who participate in model child intervention programs are more likely to attend college and be in a high-skilled job or higher education at age 21. Smart Start promotes and funds these types of programs.

We invite you to join in support to advance the education, health, and well-being of Avery County's future - its young children! We are mandated by the North Carolina legislature to match at least 10 percent of our annual budget from private sources and grants as cash and in-kind donations. Avery County Partnership for Children is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and your contributions are tax deductible.


For child care referrals contact: Jennifer Nathaniel at 704-878-9980 or toll free 877-670-8735