PROGRAMS

PARTNERSHIP

GET INVOLVED

IMPORTANT: Flu Information under NEWS section above

The Rutherford/Polk Smart Start Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child in Rutherford and Polk Counties arrives at school healthy and ready to succeed. We focus on the early years of a child's life - from birth to age five - which is the most critical time in a child's development. The Partnership works collaboratively with the community to identify issues and create solutions to the concerns facing young children and families. We design and fund model programs to ensure children and their families have the resources they need to get off to a smart start. Our programs focus on early childhood education, child health, early intervention, parenting education and family support.

What is Smart Start?

Smart Start is North Carolina's nationally recognized and award-winning early childhood initiative designed to ensure that young children enter school healthy and ready to succeed.

Smart Start is a public-private initiative that provides early education funding to all of the state's 100 counties. Smart Start funds are administered at the local level through local nonprofit organizations called Local Partnerships. The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. (NCPC) is the statewide nonprofit organization that provides oversight and technical assistance for local partnerships. Services at the local level range depending on local needs. Funding for Smart Start is currently $203.6 million in state funds. Smart Start has raised more than $257 million in donations since it began.

Currently, 78 local partnerships are established throughout the state to administer funding and programs. Smart Start funds are used to improve the quality of child care, make child care more affordable and accessible, provide access to health services and offer family support. Smart Start has achieved tremendous results in these areas and continues to strive to reach all children in North Carolina.

Smart Start has garnered much national recognition and is considered a model for comprehensive early childhood education initiatives. In 2001, the NCPC established a National Technical Assistance Center to assist other states with the development of an early education initiative.

Why We Do What We Do

Early Education is Critical in a Child's Development: Your child's intellect, personality, and social skills are the building blocks of future success. The foundation for that success is the cohesion of early support that nurtures, stimulates and provides an environment which allow our children to grow.

Parents and Communities Are a Great Partnership: Parents are children's first connection to the world. The stimulation they provide is a strong presence in the growth and quality of a child's development. Communities can provide support to parents and children by creating quality early childhood programs and services. Working together, parents and communities can offer support that will enhance a young child's well being.

A Smart Start Guarantees Success in School and Life: Participation in early childhood programs provide essential preparation in cognitive, language, and social development. Children who receive these services arrive at school ready to succeed.

Quality Early Care & Education Can Build a Better Community: Investing in early care and education can be the foundation on which to build a strong, productive community. Programs that support early education provide the tools necessary for individuals to learn, businesses to succeed, and our communities to not just grow, but thrive!.

Directions to our Partnership Office:

From I-40:

From I-40 in Marion , take the Rutherfordton/Marion exit, heading south on 221. You will travel approximately 25 miles before you reach the town of Rutherfordton . 221 becomes Main Street , Rutherfordton. When you enter Rutherfordton you will go through 2 stoplights and at the 3^rd light, (there is a CVS on the corner) take a left onto business 74. Go through 2 more lights (up a steep grade) and at the 3^rd (there is a Hardee’s on the right), take a right on 74 By-pass (4- lane). Go through 3 stoplights and at the 4^th take a left onto Daniel Road (You will see a Honda Dealership). Go to the 4-way stop and make a left onto Withrow Road . Smart Start is located in the second building to the right (United Community Services). Come in the front door and a receptionist will greet you.

Office Number: 828-287-2775

Hotels in the Area

Jameson Inn 828-287-8788

Holiday Inn Express 828-755-2000

Ramada Limited 828-248-1711

From Charlotte, I-85:

From I-85 travel through Gastonia and take the Shelby exit at Hwy 74. You will travel through Shelby on 74 and remain on 74 until you arrive in Rutherford County . Stay on 74 for 10 – 12 miles and as you approach Forest City you will take exit 181 (the isothermal community college exit)….this is 74-bypass. Stay on the by-pass and go through 5 traffic lights and at the 6^th light turn right onto Daniel Road . Go to the 4-way stop and turn Left. The Smart Start office is in the second building to the right – United Community Services.

If you get lost, please call 287-2775 or 287-8038

From I-26 (coming from Hendersonville/Asheville)

From I-26 take the exit for Tryon. As soon as you have taken the exit get in the left lane for the Rutherfordton/Forest City exit (Hwy 74). Once you are on 74 you will travel approximately 10 – 15 miles. As you approach Forest City you will see a sign that says “ Forest City …next 2 exits. Take the next exit….#181 for Spindale….this is 74-bypass. Stay on the by-pass and go through 5 traffic lights and at the 6^th light turn right onto Daniel Road . Go to the 4-way stop and turn Left. The Smart Start office is in the second building to the right – United Community Services. If you get lost, call me at 828-287-2775. .