Smart Start of Mecklenburg County

?? On National Boss' Day, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is proud to recognize the work of our CEO, Mike Blackwelder. Thanks to Mike, our leadership and our Board of Directors, SSMC is proud to align with the US Surgeon Generals advisory on workplace mental health. But don't take our word for it! "We will continue to strive towards building a positive, supportive workplace that is responsive and adaptive to the ongoing needs faced by our team members and their families. We hope to build upon our existing efforts to create a legacy of a family-friendly culture that prioritizes the needs of caregivers," penned Blackwelder. ?? Read the full piece here: https://bit.ly/4hapO8g #nationalbossday

"Supporting our youngest children and their families produces enormous gains in the healthy development of human potential," Jennifer Stamp, Strategic Initiatives Director. Studies show when brain development in infants and young children is fully supported, children are more likely to reach milestones critical to future individual and community success like; high school graduation and post-secondary education, and the avoidance of substance use and crime. If you'd like to support the Smart Start of Mecklenburg County mission, visit: https://lnkd.in/eiGX-D5A

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is proud and honored to celebrate World Teachers Day with our wonderful MECK Pre-K and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teachers! The tireless work of our pre-K teachers across the county is helping transform the future of our community, prepping our youngest students for a seamless transition into kindergarten. So, please remember to thank your children's teachers often! #WorldTeachersDay Want to join our MECK Pre-K family?! Check out our careers page: https://lnkd.in/g_f5A3WE

??????'???? ??????????????! Join us next Monday, Oct. 7 for our latest Lunch & Learn. Grab your lunch box or order out a favorite and spend some time with Smart Start of Mecklenburg County! Moderated by Chief Impact Officer, Dr. Nicole Campbell, we're excited to host a conversation with panelists representing seven organizations centered around serving Spanish-speaking families. The focus will be on the importance of understanding cultural context to help you better engage with families and inform excellent customer service. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eJk2-nwg

The Smart Start Network provides resources and programs to help families and child care providers make healthier choices for the children in their care. This includes nutrition and food education, connecting families to local food resources and referrals, and enhancing food security. Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is proud to partner with Healthy Families - Healthy Futures to offer My Plate for the Classroom, helping cooks at childcare centers across the county learn tips and strategies to promote healthy eating. Thank you to our friend, Chef John, for his continued support! ?? Learn more about our work in Meck County at https://lnkd.in/gNWbNsvx

???? A child’s health is foundational to their overall development. Smart Start connects families with essential health services. From maternal and perinatal health to postpartum support, we are here as a resource for families right from the start. At Smart Start of Mecklenburg County we work with community partners like our own Guiding Parents to Services (GPS) and Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center. Learn more about our health initiatives by visiting our page: https://lnkd.in/gNWbNsvx

The Smart Start Network offers a comprehensive range of family support programs tailored to strengthen and uplift families so families can lean into their own power. Our programs and services include: ?? Parent Education: Tools and strategies for effective parenting ?? Home Visits: Personalized support and guidance. Learn more about Home Visiting in our backyard: https://lnkd.in/eWBJz7y7

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County believes strong families build strong communities. From parenting programs to early literacy programs, the Smart Start Network partners with families in every community across the state. ?? Learn more about how Smart Start is partnering with families to reach their goals in Meck County at https://lnkd.in/gNWbNsvx

On Monday, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County gathered the entire team for an all-staff meeting and training. Thanks to Doug from Throwing Words for diving into Strengths Finders with the whole crew and giving incite on how to get the most out of our strengths and work better with others. Also, a BIG congratulations to Margie, our latest ?????????? ?????? ?????????????? recipient! ??

Over the summer, Davidson College junior Nora Fenn Gilman graced the Smart Start of Mecklenburg County office, assisting Early Literacy Manager Alyssa Wood running day-to-day Dolly Parton Imagination Library operations, crunching data and researching "book deserts" to help the organization better serve every family in Meck County. Nora was a fantastic piece of our team over the last few months, but don’t have to take my word for it! ?? https://lnkd.in/e_2g6ijE