START SMART is Franklin County’s focus on early childhood designed to increase children’s readiness for kindergarten and success in life
Based on brain research showing that the quality of early interactions increases children's capacity to learn, START SMART focuses on improving the quality of early childhood experiences for children, from newborns to age five.
THE COLLABORATIVES AND OBJECTIVES
START SMART involves a large public-private collaborative of agencies and organizations. These partners work together on a multi-faceted effort with a single focus: early childhood.
The START SMART initiative has six objectives:
- Assist more parents and care givers through education, training and helpful materials.
- Create more child care spaces, in centers and homes, for babies and toddlers.
- Raise the quality of early care and education through accreditation and training.
- Collaborate with community medical care outreach programs to provide health care information and parent materials.
- Advocate for public policy and funding to support high quality early care and education.
- Focus community attention on early childhood by regular communication with community leaders and local media.
HISTORY:
START SMART began in 1998 when the United Way Education Vision Council identified early childhood and kindergarten readiness as a priority. United Way then joined with Franklin County to build on efforts already underway and formed a collaborative of more than 40 local agencies and organizations. By 2000, a plan was developed in six broad policy areas, all current efforts were identified, goals were established and a plan of execution was launched.
In 2005, START SMART completed its initial phase of operation. Currently, the initiative continues as a community priority for the United Way and Franklin County.
FUNDERS:
START SMART is funded by a partnership of public and private interests.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
START SMART is based on research that demonstrates that early, repeated interactions with infants and toddlers can increase their ability to learn. While carrying out everyday activities like loving, feeding, clothing and caring for children, parents and care givers can literally build their brains, starting at birth. START SMART recognizes that what happens in children’s first five years can increase success later in school and life. To this end, START SMART works to reinforce with parents and caregivers that simple, repeated interactions can help children birth to five to learn and grow.
START SMART provides “Born Learning,” which is part of a national effort sponsored by the United Way Worldwide in collaboration with the AdCouncil and Civitas. “Born Learning” is an initiative including free materials as well as television spots focused on early learning. It offers helpful materials for parents and caregivers, as well as creative advertising that highlights the simple but important things we can do in everyday life to inspire early learning.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT A GLANCE:
START SMART has dramatically increased the number of nationally accredited child care centers and homes in Franklin County. To date, 76 centers are accredited with 245 in the process, and nine homes are accredited with 129 more working for the award. Child care teachers have used 1,000 single class scholarships offered by START SMART to study early childhood at local colleges and universities. In addition, 219 child care center directors and 66 home-based providers have attended the Directors Institute, a workshop to learn advanced skills and management techniques.
