Smart Start

We are proud to share that Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed June 2026 as Whole Child Health and Well-Being Month in North Carolina.

This proclamation affirms what we know to be true: a child’s health, well-being, education, and resilience are essential building blocks for lifelong success and a thriving future for our state.

At Smart Start, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be healthy, safe, supported, and ready to learn. Through partnerships with families, communities, and early childhood professionals, we are committed to helping North Carolina’s children reach their full potential.

Join us this month as we celebrate the importance of nurturing the whole child and advancing opportunities that help all children thrive.

governor.nc.gov

For 30 years, Robeson County Partnership for Children has supported families through early education, childcare assistance, literacy programs, and community partnerships. As part of North Carolina’s Smart Start network, the organization helps expand access to affordable preschool and Pre-K programs while offering resources that strengthen families and support children’s development. Through innovative programs, community collaboration, and initiatives like the bilingual book Hello Robeson County, the partnership continues working to ensure every child and family has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more by reading this Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina blog-

Robeson County Partnership for Children: Reaching Children and Families Where They Are | Positive Childhood Alliance NC May 26, 2026 By Taylor McDonald, Senior Partnership Engagement Manager, and Elizabeth Fowler, Communications and Marketing Associate “You cannot make people learn. You can only provide the right conditions for […]

The Smart Start Connection- May 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/smartstart/connection-may-2026

Former NCPC President, Karen Ponder, gives the Karen W. Ponder Leadership Award to William R. Batts, nominated by the Wayne County Partnershp for Children, and David Jackson, nominated by the Children's Council of Watauga.

"We can not build resilient children on the backs of depleted adults" - Dr. Nefertiti Poyner

Dr. Poyner closes out the 2026 Smart Start Conference with a focus on resilience.

As we wrap the 2026 Smart Start Conference, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our Strong Foundations Sponsors.

Your support helped make this year’s gathering possible—bringing together leaders, partners, and advocates committed to building strong starts for young children and families across North Carolina. We’re grateful for your partnership and your continued investment in this work.

Thank you for being part of the foundation that makes it all possible.

Smart Start extends its gratitude to Counseling Wellness & Health for sponsoring the 2026 Smart Start Conference.

Their commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care for children, families, and individuals supports stronger communities and aligns with Smart Start’s mission to help every child thrive.

We appreciate their partnership and investment in wellness across North Carolina.

Today we kick off the 2026 Smart Start Conference, and we’re proud to extend our gratitude to the North Carolina Education Lottery for sponsoring this year’s event.

Their continued investment in early childhood education helps create more opportunities for young children across North Carolina to learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at www.smartstartconference.org Follow our conference happenings at

Smart Start is thankful for Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood Education for sponsoring the 2026 Smart Start Conference.

Their commitment to high-quality early learning tools and resources supports educators and helps ensure young children have engaging, developmentally rich learning experiences. We're grateful for their partnership and investment!

Still not registered? You can do so at www.smartstartconference.org