Smart Start of Mecklenburg County

Levine's Active Start 4 Kids Receives New Grant

2012-01-24T12:20:00.001-05:00

The Levine's Children's Hospital’ Department ofPediatrics is one of six institutions awardedthe Healthy Active Living Grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)for their Active Start 4 Kids program. The grant will promote physicalactivity in the 0-5 age group. Smart Start will partner with theHospital in both the planning and implementation process of this new initiative.

NC Gov Proposes Restoring 3/4 Sales Tax for Education

2012-01-18T16:38:00.002-05:00

NC Governor Beverly Perdue has proposed to restore the 3/4 of the one-cent salestax that was eliminated during the last legislative session to dedicate thosefunds to education. In response, Dr. Olson Huff,Chair of the Board of The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., releasedthe following statement.

“North Carolina is knownfor investing in its people and recognizing that economic development beginswith early childhood development. Our state’s early childhood work has producedenormous education, health, and economic results for the state. We see it inhigher third grade reading and math scores, decreased special educationplacements, and lower dropout rates. We see it as a factor when businessesdecide to move here and when magazines name our region as one of the bestplaces to live.

With renewed investment,we can make children, families, communities and economies stronger. This iscritical in today’s environment, where there are more children birth to five,more of those children are living in poverty, and far fewer resources availablethan a decade ago. Since 1990, there has been an 85% increase in thenumber of children living in poverty. At the same time, funds havedeclined— most significantly during the last legislative session when earlychildhood education taking a disproportionate cut, meaning today far fewerchildren and communities are benefiting from needed early childhood services.

Any new public resourcesmust be invested wisely. In the words of Dr. Andrew Meltzoff of University ofWashington Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, ‘There are only 2,000days between the newborn baby and when that child will show up inkindergarten. . . Our children can’t wait.’

Together, we can providethe early education, health and developmental resources parents need to raisecapable children and successful adults. In doing so, North Carolina willattract businesses, grow jobs and guarantee prosperity.”

Here is the Governor's Press Release.

Smart Start Announces FY12-13 Funding Opportunities

2012-01-11T10:56:00.000-05:00

Each year Smart Start conducts an annual allocation process to review and approve funding for programs that meet the criteria of Smart Start's objectives. Bids are requested from community agencies who are direct service providers and information is given about the types of programs we are able to fund, including proposal requirements, deadlines, and procedures. Bidding is now open for FY12-13!

The date and time of our Bidders Conference, the applications, as well as detailed information on deadlines and funding opportunities in areas of health, family support, and early childhood education, are available on our website, here.

Don't miss this opportunity!

Smart Start Announces FY12-13 Bidders Conference

2011-12-19T16:10:00.002-05:00

The Annual Bidders' Conference will be Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

All bidding materials will be posted on the Smart Start website before the conference so that you will have a chance to download all forms prior to the bidder's conference. Check back January 10th. No new materials will be given out at the bidder's conference.

Location:
Children & Family Services Center
601 E. 5th St., Training Rooms 1
First Floor

Parking is located adjacent to the CFSC building on 5th street. If the parking lot is full, please use the suggested alternatives. Alternate Parking Map

RBC Bank Donates Ads to Smart Start During Hurricanes Games

2011-12-13T15:26:00.004-05:00

#SmartStart @nhl_canes

Thanks to the generosity of RBC Bank, ads highlighting how early learning investments benefit children and the state will begin airing on Fox Sports Carolina and 99.9 The Fan during Carolina Hurricanes games. RBC Bank donated a portion of their Hurricanes media buy to The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., (NCPC), aka Smart Start.

The ads focus on the importance of high quality early childhood experiences for a smarter, healthier and stronger North Carolina. For example:

“WHO ARE WE?

We are the country’s youngest generation
and we were born to solve its problems.

What do we need from YOU?

5 years of QUALITY education when we are ages 0-5 and that pays off….BIG TIME.

We will be school-ready
with a reduced need for special education

Less of an achievement GAP and an increase in graduation rates

We’ll live healthier lives.

It gives us the ability to AVOID

teenage pregnancy, obesity, smoking and depression.

We’ll be workforce READY”

RBC Bank has been a long-time supporter of high quality early care and learning in North Carolina. “We understand the importance of Smart Start’s efforts to improve childhood education in our state,” said Verna Gessaman, senior manager of Community and Economic Development for RBC Bank. “We are glad to donate advertising space to help them spread the word on their important work.”

The television ad was developed by The First Five Years Fund (FFYF), a national organization with a mission to create a smarter, stronger, healthier, and more productive America through early childhood education for disadvantaged children. FFYF provided the ad to NCPC at no cost. The radio spot production was paid for with private funding.

To view the television ad and listen to the radio ad, visit www.smartstart.org/hurricanes.

Join us for the National Smart Start Conference, April 30-May 3, 2012!

Subscribe to Smart Start's e-Starting Line Newsletter!

2011-12-08T16:54:00.002-05:00

For Email Marketing you can trust

Textbook Support Applications Now Available for Spring 2012!

2011-12-08T16:35:00.002-05:00

If you are a child care provider who is taking college courses and you could use some assistance with buying your textbooks, below is a link to the application with complete details and requirements.

Additional Info...

Child Care Providers Plan Your Degree Thru Smart Start!

2011-11-30T11:04:00.004-05:00

Linda Hall is an Early Childhood Recruiter funded by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and housed at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte, NC. She will come to your program to meet with you and your staff to assist in educational planning.

She will:

Address individual educational needs.
Help develop an Education Plan for an Early Childhood AAS degree or Early Childhood Certificate.
Assist with the application process, class registration, financial aid, T.E.A.C.H., placement tests, course pre-requisites and co-requisites, degree requirements, and other issues related to enrollment.
Assist with application and/or renewal requirements for the Early Educator Certification for those who have or wish to receive the EEC.

Developmental Classes with early childhood content are available at the Harris Campus. They include:

ENG 080.60 Writing Foundations Sat. 8:AM-1:PM (includes lab)

ENG 090.60 Composition Strategies Sat 8:AM-8:50 and Lab 9:00-9:50 Additional 2 hours required Online (student must also register for ENG 090A.60

ENG 095.60 Reading & Composition Strategies Online (student must also register for ENG 095A.60

RED 080.60 Introduction to College Reading Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:35 (includes lab)

RED 090.60 Improved College Reading Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:35 (includes lab)

MAT 060.70 Essential Mathematics Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:45 (includes lab)

MAT 070.70 Introduction to Algebra Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:45 (includes lab)

These classes are by permission only so please contact Linda Hall She can be reached at 704-330-4658 or Linda.Hall@cpcc.edu, if you are interested in taking any of these classes.

Save the Date: A Teddy Bear Breakfast

2011-11-09T16:49:00.006-05:00

To benefit Smart Start of Mecklenburg County

Save the Date
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Time
9 - 11 AM

Location
Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church
1117 South Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203

Cost
$35 Family Ticket (family of 4)
$15/Adult
$5/Child (12 & under)

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County will be hosting a Teddy Bear Breakfast, a family friendly fundraising event that will incorporate an online auction leading up to the event, as well as a silent auction at the event. The Teddy Bear Breakfast will feature family entertainment, a Teddy Bear parade, and a “Best Dressed” Bear award.

While children enjoy entertainment, parents and community leaders will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items.

Check our website for up-to-date info:
www.smartstartofmeck.org

Smart Start ED Attends Excelente Awards Gala

2011-09-29T16:21:00.002-04:00

Jane Meyer, executive director of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, attended the 2011 Latin American Excelente Awards Gala. This event was established to recognize Latin Americans who are high achievers.

Julio Colmenares, CEO of CGR Creative received the new Businessman of the Year Award. He started CGR ten years ago as Creative Cubes, a small, multicultural design studio, but has since changed the name to CGR Creative, now a full-service digital marketing agency.

Other awards included Businesswoman of the Year and several student scholarship. Proceeds of the event go to the Latino Student Scholarship Fund of La Noticia Foundation. Sponsors include: AT&T, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, State Farm Insurance, RedF, Carolina’s News Channel 36, Delhaize America, Banco de la Gente, Balfour Beatty Construction, UFC Law, Compass Group, La Noticia and The Charlotte Observer.

Legislators Come to Charlotte!

2011-09-28T15:07:00.006-04:00

On Friday, September 23rd, several state legislators traveled in unison across the state to hear from the people in their "NC Forward" tour. They made a stop in Charlotte at the Children & Family Services Center. One of the main topics they were interested in hearing was how the cuts have impacted children and families in early education.

Smart Start's Board Chair, Robert Furr, discussed the percentage that programs that were cut and/or eliminated, the number of slots cut for traditional and non-traditional subsidy, staff reductions, and the salary cap.

Julie Babb, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools' director of the new NC-Pre-K (formerly More at Four) discussed the transition of More at Four becoming North Carolina Pre-K and moving under new management at NC Child Development Center. One of their hardest hit challenges is transportation, the closing of eight schools, and a reduction in slots, and a significant waiting list that is already in the thousands.

Janet Singerman, Executive Director of Child Care Resources Inc. shared the impact to the subsidy program and its overall effect on families. She made the correlation that most families with preschool age children depend on dual incomes and that without affordable, quality child care, these parents can't work. It effects our economic system and becomes a growing problem, not just because of the recession, but inflation as well.

Among the Mecklenburg delegates who were present included: Representatives Tricia Cotham (@triciacotham) and Becky Carney.

How Can We Instill Compassion in Children?

2011-08-29T12:24:00.003-04:00

Children watch us and learn by seeing what we do. We can instill compassion in our children by showing it.

~Help a single or elderly neighbor.
~ Donate canned goods to a food bank.
~ Donate or give a kind word to someone who is homeless or in need.
~ Provide your children with other role models such as family members and friends who are kind and caring.
~ Encourage your children to do volunteer work in the community such as visiting people in nursing homes or helping individuals with disabilities.
~ Encourage your children to take care of a pet.

Provide opportunities for children to work and play together
Games or activities that emphasize cooperation help children to think about the needs and feelings of others while striving to achieve a common goal. For example, you could teach them games such as ‘cooperative musical chairs’ and ‘Statues’, or do activities such as painting murals and building cities out of blocks.

Explain to children that harmful words and actions affect others.

“Look how Jessica felt when you pushed her and made her fall. Help her up, please.”

Tell children which behaviors are valued and why.

“I'm so glad that you helped Martin pick up his toys. I know that he was glad you helped him, too. That is the way to be a good friend.”

Serve as a model of empathy.

Children learn compassion by observing your kindness toward others, listening to what you say and how you talk about others.

“Mrs. Ortega must be very sad because she lost her pet. Let’s go visit her and see if we can help make her feel better.”

These are just a few examples. Feel free to share other ideas.

The Candy Bars are Here!

2011-08-24T12:18:00.003-04:00

Swing by and pick up a box of candy bars to sell for Smart Start as a fundraiser. This effort is to compensate for some of the budget cuts we've received.

Please help SUPPORT SMART START!!!

Candy bars are $1 ea, and there are 50 in a box. You can purchase a box for $50 and sell them at whatever price you would like. You can buy them online with a debit/credit card. All you have to do is print out a copy of your purchase and bring it with you to the address below, where you'll pick up your candy bars. We're sorry, but we cannot ship/mail them in the heat as they would melt.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County

Children & Family Services Center

601 E. 5th St. (Suite 500)

Charlotte, NC 28202

Or you may pay by check made out to the order of: Mecklenburg Partnership for Children.

Help Smart Start Sell Candy Bars!

2011-08-15T13:54:00.001-04:00

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is selling candy bars to help raise funds to compensate for some of the budget cuts we've received.

Will you help support our Partnership?

Candy bars are $1 ea, and there are 50 in a box. You can purchase a box for $50 and sell them at whatever price you would like. You can buy them online with a debit/credit card. All you have to do is print out a copy of your purchase and bring it with you to the address below, where you'll pick up your candy bars. We're sorry, but we cannot ship/mail them in the heat as they would melt.

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County

Children & Family Services Center

601 E. 5th St. (Suite 500)

Charlotte, NC 28202

Or you may pay by check made out to the order of: Mecklenburg Partnership for Children.

Subcribe to Ventana Magica for FY11-12

2011-08-11T11:42:00.005-04:00

About Ventana Mágica
Ventana Mágica is a parent-education magazine for Hispanic/Latino parents of children ages birth to five in North Carolina. It's focus is Smart Start's mission, to advance a high quality, comprehensive, accountable system of care and education for every child beginning with a healthy birth.

The magazine includes short interviews with specialists in health or early education, features Latino and American culture, educational games, parenting tips, short stories, and information about local services for parents of preschool children. Examples of themes include: activities that develop a child's intelligence, nutrition and obesity, educational toys and games, Sensory Integration Distorder, Autism, ADD, discipline, preparation for kindergarten, etc.

Mecklenburg County Residents & Agencies
Ventana Mágica is free to residents and agencies in Mecklenburg County. It is typically published by La Noticia, the Spanish-Language newspaper in Charlotte, NC on a bi-monthly basis at 6 issues per fiscal year, depending on availability of funds.

If you're a Mecklenburg resident or Agency, subscribe here.

Non-Mecklenburg County Residents & Agencies
Ventana Mágica is offered to Smart Start Partnerships, child care programs, doctor offices, dentist offices, any agency that serves Hispanic/Latino families with children ages birth to five outside Mecklenburg County for a small fee of $0.35 per copy, plus postage. Invoices are emailed after each publication or once for the whole fiscal year, depending upon preference. Subscriptions may be changed or cancelled at any time.

If you're a non-Mecklenburg resident or agency, subscribe here.

Estimated Annual Subscription Cost for FY11-12

(You can click on the image below for a clearer view.)

Junk in the Trunk Sale!

2011-08-05T08:30:00.001-04:00

Do you have some things lying around your house you'd like to get rid of? Would you like to make a few extra dollars in the process? Especially right before the holidays? If so, join Smart Start in a fundraising opportunity this October!

Not just another Garage/Yard Sale,

but a WHOLE PARKING LOT

The Sale of the Century!

If you would like to participate in Smart Start's fundraising event as a seller in the Junk in the Trunk Parking Lot Sale, please fill out the registration form below.

The process is simple. We have the location and space, plus we'll do the advertising and promotion for you! The cost is $25 per parking lot space. Bring your own table and chairs. You may sell anything you would typically sell in a yard sale or a garage sale.

It's optional if you would like to donate a portion of your proceeds to Smart Start of Mecklenburg County. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and so all donations are tax deductible.

Don't Wait! Reserve your space ASAP, as spaces are taken on a first come, first served basis. Final Registration Deadline is Oct 14, 2011.

Date:
Saturday, October 22nd (7AM - 12PM)

Location:
St. Stephen United Methodist Church
6800 Sardis Rd., Charlotte, NC 28270

Register Here!

Smart Start in the News: More Changes to PreK

2011-08-04T09:58:00.000-04:00

State facing mandate to enroll 4-year-olds
News & Observer
Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning Jr. ruled last month that there ... executive director of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, said Wednesday. ...

APNewsBreak: NC readies for pre-kindergarten storm
Danbury News Times
"Judge Manning says that the state is going to have to fund this, so I do not know how that's going to happen," Smart Start of Mecklenburg County executive ...

The Affects on Bi-Cultural Children Entering Preschool

2011-07-27T14:13:00.006-04:00

One of the biggest adjustments for bilingual families is the step that children take when they enter preschool or K5. Their routines, behaviors, and eating habits will definitely change; therefore, it is a good idea to prepare your child.

Following Instructions
One of the most important points of evaluation for determining a child’s maturity level is the ability to follow adults’ instructions, such as "Let’s all pick up our toys now," or "Let’s stand in a line," and "We are going to sit down for circle time."

This is why it's important that children are introduced to obeying instructions and completing simple tasks at home. Another opportunity that children can be given to gain experience is taking them to story time hours at the local library. In these sessions the children are able to experience this type of environment and obey the instructions of the librarian.

Working as a Team with the Teacher
In Latin America and other countries, teachers and school principals are given much authority to the point that, in many cases, their teaching methods and assignments are not even questioned. Here in the United States, the teacher needs to know how your child learns, what type of tools s/he needs to learn, and how s/he deals with conflict resolution.

It's essential that parents speak with the teacher before sending their child to school, so be sure to set up a meeting time or attend the open house night. Some schools will send the teacher to meet the children in their own home before school starts in order to observe them in their own environment.

Speak with your child’s teacher about the following:
• Is your child a visual, verbal, or kinesthetic (hands-on) learner?
• Is your child quiet or very communicative?
• What motivates your child to do things?
• How do you recognize your child’s achievements and praise him or her?
• From your perspective, what are your child’s strengths and weaknesses?
• Does your child require specialized attention in any area?

Routines
Another big adjustment when a child enters school is a consistent schedule of activities. Once the child starts school, the schedule will be very structured. For example:
8:00-8:20 Creative game
8:20-8:40 Reading circle
8:40-9:00 Hands-on math activity
9:00-9:30 Snack time…

Your child will have to follow a set schedule throughout the day. Before entering school, children
should have a fairly flexible schedule so that it is not as difficult adjusting to the new school schedule.

Nap Time
Some families make their child take a nap at mid-day and others don’t have a set nap time unless the child falls asleep naturally. In K5 classes have a specific time for children to rest. For many children unused to napping, this can be frustrating. It is recommended that children become accustomed to nap time or rest time before entering school.

Smart Start in the News!

2011-07-21T12:37:00.003-04:00

Judge Manning tells lawmakers they got it wrong, video newscast on WBTB 3.

N.C. pre-K program may escape limbo, article on The Charlotte Post

NC Judge Orders Pre-K Services Restored

2011-07-19T10:13:00.006-04:00

Recently, Superior Court Judge Howard Manning Jr. demanded lawmakers restore funding for at-risk preschoolers. Local advocates, including Smart Start's Executive Director, Jane Meyer, and Council for Children's Rights, Executive Director, Brett Loftis, said the ruling acknowledges the importance of pre-K programs. To view the news video and read the article, click here.

Join Smart Start for REAL Talk

2011-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

A grassroots effort is evolving among concerned citizens like YOU. With the reality of our budget crisis, tough choices must be made, but it is up to us, the citizens, to let our elected officials know what is priority.

Smart Start wants to ensure that young children are not left out of the discussion. That's where YOU can help. Join us, Friday, March 4th at 7:30 am for a breakfast discussion of REAL Talk. Location is the Children and Family Services building at 601 E. 5th St. (Training Rooms 1&2). The event is FREE!

Small discussions like this will take place all over Charlotte-Mecklenburg for the next three weeks. The results of these discussions, will be presented at three large public sessions during the week of March 7th-11th and publicized live on WTVI 42.

Get REAL 2011 is a non-partisan, non-profit and does not endorse or advocate for any viewpoint, policy, group, solution or answer...the point is to involve as many people as possible in voicing their views.

Please RSVP!

Seating will be limited so we encourage you to RSVP to Sheryl White at swhite@smartstartofmeck.org. Please include the number of people who will be attending with you.

2011 Tuesdays for Tots Advocacy Trips

2011-02-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Each year during the spring legislative session Smart Start organizes a bus load of Mecklenburg citizens to travel to Raleigh to advocate on behalf of small children and their families. We meet with state legislators (House of Representatives and Senators) who represent Mecklenburg County. We invite YOU to go with us!

Changes You Need to Know About for 2011

Legislators will be seeing us 4 times during the legislative session (Feb 22nd, Mar 15th, Apr 19th & May 24th)
The trip is free (no $25 charge per person)
No charter bus, we will carpool and depend on available church buses (if driving, bring cash for parking)
Lunch and snacks are on your own
We'll still provide advocacy training packets and materials
Invite as many people as possible!

Registration
To register online, go here.

To register by mail or fax, download the Registration Flyer.

Please share on blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and through email. Help us spread the word. Thank you for your support! Our children need us!

Advocacy Day for Children!

2011-02-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

Action for Children, the Covenant with North Carolina's Children, NC MomsRising, the NC Pediatric Society, and others will join forces for a day of educating the General Assembly on the importance of children's programs and services.

Health insurance, child care subsidies, juvenile justice funding, infant mortality prevention and more are all under threat this session. We need YOU to come out in support of the programs and services that protect our children's health and safety every day.

What: Advocacy day for children's programs and services, including a press conference and visits to legislators' offices

When: Tuesday, March 15. Lobby materials available starting at 9 am. Press conference at 11:30 am outside in front of the legislative building.

Where: NC General Assembly

Who: YOU! Sign your organization up as a supporter of one or more of these key issues and commit to bringing 5-10 people out to meet with their legislators on the 15th.

Children did not create the current budget crisis and they should not have to shoulder the burden of solving it. Come out to tell your legislators about the children's programs and services that matter to you.

Questions? Contact:

Mandy Ableidinger – mandy@ncchild.org or 919-834-6623

Rob Thompson – rob@nccovenant.org or 919-649-2449

Bid for the Purchase & Distribution of Children's Books

2011-02-09T09:46:00.001-05:00

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is soliciting bids for up to $40,000 from Mecklenburg County based book sellers for purchasing/distribution of quality books, in English and Spanish, appropriate for children 0-5 participating in Smart Start-funded activities.

In March/April 2011, bidder is expected to order the books, create a projected 700 literacy kits that include the books/early literacy materials, distribute the kits either through a delivery or pick-up option and maintain accurate distribution records. Bidder will also be expected to develop and conduct early literacy workshops for a projected 11 programs. Workshops, which can target both families and agency staff, must be completed by May 31, 2011.

If interested, please submit a proposal that addresses organizational capacity, tasks to be completed and associated costs for 1) creating literacy kits for infant-toddlers, children 2-3 years old and children 4-5 years old and 2) conducting associated training sessions. Send responses to Barbara Rein at brein@smartstartofmeck.org. Response deadline is February 16, 2011.