Today, Stephanie Fanjul, President of The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. (NCPC), spoke to members of the North Carolina House Select Committee on Early Education Improvement about Smart Start. She reviewed Smart Start’s history, highlighted challenges that Smart Start has helped the state meet, explained the manner in which Smart Start operates today, and discussed current state challenges that Smart Start is addressing.

Stephanie was joined by Pam Dowdy, Executive Director of Wake County SmartStart; Barbara Whitley, Executive Director of the Stanly County Partnership for Children; and Denauvo Robinson, President & CEO of Albermarle Smart Start Partnership.

Download NCPC’s presentation.

Download Wake County’s presentation.

Download Stanly County Presentation.

Download Albemarle Presentation Part 1 and Albemarle Presentation Part 2.

The staff of E.R. Midgett in Kitty Hawk presents a check for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Pictured from left to right: Paul Tine, Joann Camporeale, Jan Presgraves (front), Ross Mitchell (back), Katherine Klonis, Stephanie Herwick, Amy Colanero, and Kirsten Farr

True to the Nationwide slogan of being “on your side,” Midgett Insurance Agency is helping young children and families in Dare County, through a donation of $500 to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. As supporters of the program since 2007, Midgett Insurance Agency understands the importance of early literacy for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and is dedicated to providing children with the opportunity to create daily reading habits with their families.

With over 1,000 children currently enrolled, Dare County’s Imagination Library would not be possible without the dedication of local individuals, organizations, and businesses, like Midgett Insurance Agency, who help to ensure that books continue to arrive in the mail boxes of children all throughout the county. Since early exposure to books and reading can be a strong predictor of later reading skills in school, Imagination Library books are not only helping to prepare children for their journey into Kindergarten, but are also helping to provide children with ways to expand their imaginations and build their love of learning at an early age.

Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Visit them online for more information at www.darekids.org.