SMART START Programs 2020-2021

Family Support Activities

Child Care Subsidy

Child Care Subsidy assists parents on a fixed income with the cost of child care. For assistance, parents must apply in person at the Yadkin County Human Services Agency (336-849-7910).

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gives children the gift of reading. Every month, until their fifth birthday, Yadkin County children are eligible to receive a FREE developmentally appropriate book shipped to their home address. To register, call our office at 336-679-7833 or visit www.yadkinchild.org.

Early Childhood Resource Center

The Early Childhood Resource Center provides access to child development resources and materials such as, but not limited to books, manipulatives, reference materials, and curriculum kits, which are available for check out by early childhood educators and families. Guidance on the appropriate use of the materials is provided. The Early Childhood Resource Center also houses a resource room with access to die cuts, laminating machines, a copier, a book binding machine, and bulletin board supplies. The Early Childhood Resource Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on nights and weekends by appointment.

Nurturing Parenting Program

The Nurturing Parenting Program is a home-based program for families and their children ages birth to five living in Yadkin County and at risk for child abuse and neglect and/or domestic violence. Families will receive weekly face-to-face visits from a Parent Educator for 16 to 24 consecutive weeks to learn about nurturing parenting routines, alternatives to hitting, child development, and ways to build self-esteem and self-concept in self and children. The Parent Educator is employed by the Children’s Center of Northwest North Carolina.

Preschool Scholarships

Smart Start of Yadkin County provides funding for two different programs that help income-eligible children attend preschool through Yadkin County Schools. For additional information, parents should contact Kristy Pardue at the Yadkin County Board of Education (336-679-2051).

Kaleidoscope® Play and Learn

Kaleidoscope® Play and Learn provides group meetings for parents/caregivers and young children that offer different kinds of activities to promote children’s development through play, and adult social support. Weekly groups will be held at various locations throughout Yadkin County for caregivers and children birth to five. A part-time facilitator will offer structured activities, model developmentally appropriate interactions with children and caregivers, and facilitate social exchanges among the caregivers.

Community Outreach

Community Outreach will promote the benefits of early childhood programs/services and family involvement, as well as activities to inform families of available services and resources and may seek to increase access to services. Partnership staff will engage in outreach and promotion through outreach events and materials, public relations, and marketing; event planning/participation; and developing and enhancing outreach materials.