September 1 marks the beginning of Smart Start Month, a statewide celebration recognizing the work being done across North Carolina to support young children, families, caregivers, and early childhood educators.

The Cabarrus County Partnership for Children is proud to be part of the Smart Start Network, a network of 75 local partnerships serving all 100 counties in North Carolina. Together, Smart Start partnerships work to help ensure that every child, especially those from birth to age 5, has the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and prepared for lifelong success.

“Smart Start Month is an opportunity to celebrate the people, programs, and partnerships that make a difference for young children and families every day,” said Lauren Westin, Executive Director of the Cabarrus County Partnership for Children. “Here in Cabarrus County, we see firsthand how supporting children early can strengthen families, educators, and our entire community.”

Smart Start Local Partnerships across the state focus on three core areas: high-quality early care and education, family support, and the health and development of young children. The Network also provides critical infrastructure for North Carolina’s early childhood system, helping connect families with services while supporting programs that meet the unique needs of each community.

For more than 30 years, the Smart Start Network has supported North Carolina’s youngest children and the adults who care for them. The statewide network allows local partnerships to use community knowledge and data to develop solutions that address local needs.

In Cabarrus County, the Partnership works to strengthen the capacity of families, educators, and the community to build strong foundations that ensure child well-being. Through community partnerships and investments in early childhood education, health and early intervention, family support, and early educator resources, the Partnership helps connect children and families with the support they need.

“Our work is grounded in the belief that the early years matter and that no single organization can meet every need alone,” Westin said. “Smart Start gives communities a framework for working together. It brings people to the table, helps identify gaps, and allows us to create local solutions that support children and families where they are.”

The impact of early childhood investments extends far beyond the first five years of life. Research shows that supporting children early can lead to stronger educational, health, and economic outcomes while helping build stronger communities for generations to come.

Throughout September, the Cabarrus County Partnership for Children will join Smart Start partnerships across North Carolina in sharing stories, resources, and information about the importance of investing in young children and the adults who care for them.

“This month, we are celebrating the progress we have made, but we are also recognizing that the work continues,” Westin said. “The needs of children and families are always evolving. By continuing to invest in strong early childhood systems and work collaboratively, we can help ensure that every child in Cabarrus County has the opportunity to thrive.”

Community members can follow the Partnership throughout September as we celebrate Smart Start Month and the people who are helping build stronger foundations and brighter futures for Cabarrus County’s youngest children.

About the Cabarrus County Partnership for Children

The Cabarrus County Partnership for Children is committed to strengthening the capacity of families, educators, and the community to build strong foundations that ensure child well-being. Through community partnerships, early childhood education, health initiatives, family support, and early educator resources, the Partnership works to help children in Cabarrus County grow up healthy, safe, and ready to succeed.