“We all have the duty to call attention to the science and seriousness of early childhood cognitive development…the ages between birth and age five are the foundation upon which successful lives are built.”

— First Lady Laura Bush at the White House Summit on Early Childhood Cognitive Development

The brain triples in size in the first year alone and is virtually its full size by the time a child enters kindergarten.  By the age of 2 years old, the brain is about 80% of the adult size.

Studies show that children who experience high-quality, stable child care demonstrate better language and math skills, are more able to form secure attachments with adults and other children, and develop better cognitive and social skills.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) indicators of quality in early care and education include: small group size, low teacher-to-child ratios, developmentally appropriate curriculum, adequate teacher training, parent-teacher communication and an environment that is safe and clean.

Based on this important information, Smart Start has facilitated several programs directly related to improving the quality of child care centers, group homes and family care settings. These programs include BornLearning, Early Reading First, Southeast Regional Center Get Ready to Read!, Play Smart, Smart Tots, and Spark, and Early Learning Property Management (ELPM). 

Smart Start also partners with Bright From the Start (BFTS) on the following statewide programs: Training and Technical Assistance, SCHOLARSHIPS, INCENTIVES, and the Substitute Teacher Program.