Pamlico Partnership for Children, Inc

What is Smart Start?
Smart Start is a comprehensive public-private initiative that strives to assure that all children in North Carolina enter school healthy and ready to succeed. Smart Start serves children 0-5 through a variety of programs that help to provide access to high quality and affordable child care, health care and other critical services.
Smart Start was created in 1993 by Governor Jim Hunt. Theprogram won the prestigious National Innovation in Government Award in 1998 and in 1999. The initiative is being replicated across the country. Pamlico Partnership for Children, Inc. is a non-profit organization that receives SMART START state funds. The Board of Directors, comprised of citizens of Pamlico County, makes decisions about needed services and available resources that will benefit young children and their families. The following are examples of some important services young children must receive to ensure a healthy beginning: immunizations and well-baby check-ups; vision, dental, and hearing screenings; exams for developmental delay if a child is not developing according to his/her age; a secure and safe environment at home to promote emotional bonds with parents and family members; and quality child care. The Pamlico Partnership for Children, Inc. was incorporated in 1994 with services to the county beginning in June 1997.