Smart Start: A National Pioneer

Imagine a North Carolina in which every child has the resources and support to thrive and enter kindergarten ready to succeed — this is the vision that has driven the Smart Start Network for over 30 years.


The State of NC proclaimed September 2024 as Smart Start Month. This month was selected because it marks the month that the first Smart Start Local Partnerships opened their doors in 1993.


What is Smart Start?

Smart Start is a network of 75 Local Partnerships serving all 100 counties in North Carolina. As a Network, we are committed to ensuring every child ages birth to 5 has what they need to thrive.


We focus on whole-child support, including:

-Early Care & Education

-Family Support

-Child, Family, and Community Health

-Local collaboration to shift early childhood systems


>> Read EdNC's Feature on Smart Start


>> View the Proclamation by Governor Roy Cooper

See More Details

Featured Programs

We are thrilled to announce the addition of several programs to further support Cabarrus County children ages birth to five, their families, and those who care for them!

Explore These Programs

Don't forget! Dolly Parton's Imagination Library now has a Bilingual English/Spanish Book Language option available! Children ages birth to five in Cabarrus County can be signed up to receive a free book in the mail every month in English or Bilingual English/Spanish.

View Program Details

Upcoming Events

Safe Kids Cabarrus is hosting a free Safety and Resource Event for families on September 19, 3:00-5:00pm at Doctor's Plus Urgent Care in Concord.

View Event Details

Car Seat Safety Checks


Concord Fire Station #3

(100 Warren C Coleman Blvd)

-Sept. 23 | 10:00am-2:00pm

-Sept. 30 | 10:00am-2:00pm


Behind Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office

(30 Corban Ave SE, Concord)

-Oct. 2 | 10:00am-1:00pm


>> View Full Schedule

Community Events


National Night Out

Presented by City of Kannapolis

October 1 | 5:00-7:00pm

Kannapolis Veterans Park

>> See More Details


Walk2Win

Presented by Walk Cabarrus

November 2 | 9:30am

Atrium Health Ballpark

>> See More Details

Support our mission to ensure child well-being simply by dining at Texas Roadhouse (7801 Gateway Lane NW, Concord) on Wednesday, October 16 between 3:30-9:30pm! 10% of your total food purchases that evening will be donated to the Cabarrus County Partnership for Children!

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