Forty years of early education research show that programs which positively impact children are those with highly skilled teachers, age-appropriate activities, stimulating materials, and a safe environment. Since its inception, Smart Start has raised the quality of the state’s early childhood programs—helping our children develop the social, emotional, and academic foundations that will serve them throughout life.
Access to High Quality Care
Smart Start also helps families with low-incomes afford high, quality early childhood education and care. In fact, children receiving Smart Start subsidy are in higher quality programs compared to other subsidy funding sources.
Professional Development & Workforce Supports
Smart Start helps child care providers create these effective, early learning programs by offering professional development, technical assistance, and funding.
PreK-3
Decades of research have demonstrated that the pre-kindergarten and early elementary years represent a unique time in children’s development. This is when children acquire the basic skills that provide the foundation for later learning.