Smart Start Funded Programs for 2024-2025
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: chelsea.dilling@robesoncountync.gov
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.
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
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
Community Outreach and Engagement
Robeson County Partnership for Children
(910) 738-6767
The Community Outreach and Engagement activity at the Robeson County Partnership for Children is dedicated to strengthening families and supporting children through education, engagement, and connection. We provide valuable resources, host educational events like Smart Start Day and Week of the Young Child and collaborate with community partners to ensure that every child in Robeson County can thrive because a #aSmartStartMatters.
Program Coordination and Evaluation
Agency: Robeson County Partnership for Children
(910) 738-6767
The Program and Evaluation Department encompasses a variety of methods aimed at increasing the capacity of Smart Start funded activities. Some of these approaches include data collection, information management, monitoring, evaluation, technical assistance, and training to support effective implementation of programs and strategies.
Robeson County Resource Center & Lending Library
Robeson County Partnership for Children, Inc.
(910)738-6767
Program Description: An on-site resource center and lending library offers a variety of materials to support child care providers and families with young children’s learning and development. Patrons have access to child development resources and materials such as books, manipulatives, reference materials, and curriculum kits. Items are available for checkout to community members with a FREE membership. There is also access to die cuts, a laminating service, and bulletin board paper.
Email: alambert@rcpartnership4children.org
WAGE$
Agency: Robeson County Partnership for Children
(910) 738-6767
The Child Care WAGE$® Program provides education-based salary supplements to low-paid teachers, directors and family child care providers working with children between the ages of birth to five. The supplements made available through this program encourage the educational pursuits of the early childhood workforce and help reduce the turnover rates of these teachers, directors and family child care educators.