Supporting school readiness through everyday activities
by happykatie Next time you are in a grocery store, in a bank or a post office with your young child, grandchild or friend of the family, think about the routine errand as a field trip or a backdrop to teach your child something new or reinforce a recent preschool lesson. Children can learn from everyday activities, such as reviewing colors when choosing produce, counting w

Education is an issue of national security
“A quality education is really an issue of national security,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. By the way, he said this in a press conference organized by retired miliary leaders who are calling for Congress to invest in early childhood programs. Earlier this month, Mission: Readi

Landmark Early Childhood Book Free!
From Neurons to Neighborhoods:  The Science of Early Childhood Development is a landmark book on early brain development and how early experiences, including culture and community, affect children’s development.  It is now available online for free!

What do North Carolinians Want for Their Children and the State?
A new public engagement initiative titled Smart Investing: Communities Thrive When Children Thrive begins this month to establish what North Carolina communities want for their youngest chi

Developmental Screenings Should be Part of All Well-Child Visits
WUNC (NPR) features Smart Start’s ABCD Program on Morning Edition. Listen to the story! The ABCD program works with pediatricians’ offices to ensure that all children receive appropriate developmental screenings and referrals. About 70% of children with disabilities are not identified before they enter school. Although primary care physicians have regular contact with the majority of young children, they face many barriers to offe