Programs

This project helps licensed child care programs increase the level of star rated licensure and the level of provider education. Professional development services are also available for facilities that complete an Educational Facility Plan. Teachers in these facilities who are attending school may be eligible for Educational Awards. 

For assistance, contact Mary Williams at 910-499-4547 or mwilliams@columbussmartstart.org.

Raising A Reader helps child care providers work with families to build and maintain the home-based language and literacy experiences young children need for later school success. By rotating high-quality children’s literature into homes each week, Raising A Reader’s research-based program helps children and parents

develop the habit of “book cuddling.” Families also build connections to libraries that result in lasting family literacy habits and improved outcomes for children. 

For assistance, contact Kayla Henson at 910-499-4547 or khenson@columbussmartstart.org.

The ELF provides child development resources which parents and providers can use to enhance the early care and education of young children. A variety of children’s books, videos, topic resource books, resource kits, toys and other resources are available to library members at a nominal fee. Training and workshops are offered as well as consumer materials in Spanish. 

For assistance, contact Alyssa Lewis at 910-212-6352 or alyssa.lewis@columbussmartstart.org.

Smart Start and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are working together to get books into the hands of North Carolina’s youngest children. This program is made possible through funding appropriated by the North Carolina Legislature.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a 60 volume set of books that will be offered FREE of charge to children living in Columbus County. Each month, children ages birth to five, who are registered for the program will receive a brand new book mailed directly to their homes.

All preschool-aged children, ages birth to five, who are residents of Columbus County are eligible to participate. Parents or guardians must register their children in order for them to participate.

Questions about registering for the Imagination Library should be directed to Gloria Parker-Barr in the Smart Start Early Learning & Family Resource Center (ELF) at 910-212-6352 or gloria.riddick@columbussmartstart.org.

Ready & Resilient Families & Communities is a project funded by Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. This project is looking for families who reside  in Columbus County and have children aged 0-8. We  connect families to various community resources and  offer parent training workshops. Parents will become  more confident, and the entire family will benefit,  heal, and thrive. Training topics include awareness  and education on  Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), resiliency, and child abuse prevention. Incentives and/or gift cards will be provided following  each training. To register, contact Latoya Beatty at  910-499-4546 or latoya.beatty@columbussmartstart.org. 

The Parent Advisory Committee is a coalition of parents/guardians of children ages 0-5, and stakeholders who are working together to bring the parent/guardian personal stories to light so that relationships, services, and policies can be improved upon and/or created to meet the needs of families with children.

Family partnerships create improved system-, program-, family-, and child-level outcomes across early childhood sectors. Early childhood sectors include local and state government agencies and Legislators, non-profit and private community agencies, faith-based and advocacy agencies, researchers and technical assistance providers, and higher education community colleges and universities. Families are valued as critical partners in the delivery of programs and services within each sector and related organization. 

PAC is looking for parents/guardians and stakeholders all across our county interested in volunteering to become a member of the committee and help develop plans, community support and resources for the community. 

For more information, contact Sherry Baldwin at 910-642-8226 Ext. 109, or email sherry.baldwin@columbussmartstart.org. 

This scholarship program provides assistance with the cost of child care to qualified parents with children ages birth to five. 

For assistance, call 910-642-2800.

Expectant mothers and children ages

birth to 5 who are not eligible for Medicaid reimbursable transportation can be transported to and from medical appointments. 

For assistance, call Joy Jacobs at 910-642-7201

This project provides child care professionals with education-based salary supplements and addresses teacher turnover and increased teacher educational levels. 

For assistance, call 919-967-3272.