Smart Start Programs

Smart Start Funded Programs for 2023-2024

Child Care Subsidy
Robeson County Department of Social Services
(910) 671-3731
Program Description: Assists in making child care accessible and affordable to the families of Robeson County.
Email: leslie.martin@dss.co.robeson.nc.us

Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Lumber River United Way
(910) 739-4249
Program Description: The Dolly Parton Imagination Library will help your young child develop pre-literacy skills by mailing your child free books once a month. All preschool children (birth to five) that live in Robeson County are eligible. A parent or legal guardian must submit an official registration form to the Lumber River United Way, 301 N. Water St. Lumberton, NC 28358. Registration forms may be downloaded from the Lumber River United Way website www.lumberriveruw.org or requested by calling the United Way office.

CCHC 
Robeson County Partnership for Children, Inc.
(910) 738-6767, Ext: 240
Program Description: Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs) are trained health professionals with education and experience in both child and community health and early care and education. CCHCs work with programs to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate strategies to achieve high quality, safe, and healthy child care environments.
Email: tlennon@rcpartnership4children.org 

Seeds 4 Success
Robeson County Partnership for Children, Inc.
(910) 738-6767, Ext: 290
Program Description: Seeds 4 Success facilitates Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Groups for children birth through five and their caregivers not enrolled in full-time regulated childcare. Weekly play groups are held using culturally-and developmentally-appropriate play activities for children and care givers to participate in together. Facilitators guide and model conversation, peer-to-peer learning and hands-on experience that provide parents with tools to use at home to support children’s learning and healthy development.
Email: skinlaw@rcpartnership4children.org

Environment Quality Star Tracks
Robeson County Partnership for Children, Inc.
(910) 738-6767, Ext: 297
Program Description: Childcare facilities are made aware of the components of quality care to enhance their facility using the Environment Rating Scales.  Assessments of licensed facilities allow for quality enhancement materials.  Technical assistance and maintenance is also provided. As part of the quality enhancement component, childcare providers have access to information, materials, and services provided by the Smart Start Resource Center. The Resource Center delivers materials to participating facilities and provides technical assistance as needed.
Email: eevans@rcpartnership4children.org ; alovette@rcpartnership4children.org

Nurse Family Partnership
Robeson County Health Department
(910) 671-3225
Program Description: Highly educated nurses visit eligible women in their homes during their first pregnancy and throughout the first two years of their children’s lives.  The program is a statewide initiative following a national model that seeks to improve pregnancy outcomes and child health through primary prevention.  Additionally, the program seeks to improve the economic self-sufficiency of the family through personal development goals.
Email: tamra.bullard@hth.co.robeson.nc.us

Parents as Teachers
Robeson County Health Department
(910) 671-3200
Program Description: A proven home visiting model offering parents regularly scheduled personal home visits, group meetings, and developmental screenings for children as well as a network of resources. A home/school/community partnership that begins at birth and extends to age five.
Email: priscilla.bryant@hth.co.robeson.nc.us
Email: jeneen.sinclair@hth.co.robeson.nc.us

Professional Development Services
Robeson Community College
(910) 272-3700
Program Description:  Provides services for licensed child care facilities in Robeson County. Services include professional development plans to assist child care providers and center plans to assist child care directors. The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and My Teaching Partner will also be utilized. Professional Development Awards (formerly known as Educational Award) will be offered to eligible participants. Training and technical assistance are also available.
Email: kcarmical@robeson.edu
Email: amcgirt@robeson.edu

Program Coordination, Community Education, and Evaluation
Robeson County Partnership for Children, Inc.
(910)738-6767
Program Description: The Program Department encompasses a variety of methods aimed at increasing the capacity of early childhood initiatives and community awareness. Some of these approaches include data collection, information management, monitoring, evaluation, technical assistance, and training to support effective implementation of programs and strategies. These programs also work to enhance community collaboration and promote services funded by the partnership within the community.
Email: rchaviswanson@rcpartnership4children.org

NC Pre-K Transportation
Robeson County Partnership for Children, Inc.
(910)738-6767
Program Description: Financial assistance is provided on a per child basis to NC Pre-K sites providing transportation to children enrolled in and being served through NC Pre-K.
Email: rchaviswanson@rcpartnership4children.org

Color Me Healthy for Robeson
Robeson County Health Department
(910)737-5056
Program Description: Color Me Healthy for Robeson is a program delivered in child care centers, home child care programs, and Head Start classrooms.  This curriculum is used with 4- and 5-year olds and is designed to show children that healthy food and physical activity are fun.  This is accomplished through the use of color, music, dance, and imaginary play to provide opportunities for physical activity and to teach children about healthy eating.
Email: kimberly.lowery@hth.co.robeson.nc.us

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