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Tools and Resources for Media Professionals

Here you will find tools and resources for Media Professionals. Browse background Information, recent news, press releases, and connect with our communications team.

Questions? Contact our Communications Team:

jmacpherson@wakesmartstart.org

About
Wake County Smart Start

Gov. Hunt launched the Smart Start initiative in North Carolina over 25 years ago, His vision was to ensure that every child start school healthy and ready to learn. Soon after, the Wake County Smart Start local partnership was born. We are one of 75 current partner organizations under the umbrella organization North Carolina Partnership for Children. Wake County Smart Start, the 2nd largest in the state, serves Wake County including its 12 municipalities. Read More

Working at the county level, we help young children and their families access much-needed programs, from at-home visits that empower parents, to placements in free, high-quality preschools. Through community collaborations and funding of local partners, we work to create an early childhood care and education system where everyone, children, parents and educators, thrive. Last fiscal year Wake County Smart Start reached over 40,000 children – at home, in school and in their communities.

About
Wake County Smart Start

Gov. Hunt launched the Smart Start initiative in North Carolina over 25 years ago, His vision was to ensure that every child start school healthy and ready to learn. Soon after, the Wake County Smart Start local partnership was born. We are one of 75 current partner organizations under the umbrella organization North Carolina Partnership for Children. Wake County Smart Start, the 2nd largest in the state, serves Wake County including its 12 municipalities.

Working at the county level, we help young children and their families access much-needed programs, from at-home visits that empower parents, to placements in free, high-quality preschools. Through community collaborations and funding of local partners, we work to create an early childhood care and education system where everyone, children, parents and educators, thrive. Last fiscal year Wake County Smart Start reached over 40,000 children – at home, in school and in their communities.

Mission

Wake County Smart Start invests in young children, their families, and a connected early childhood system that supports and prepares them for school and life ahead.

Mission

Wake County Smart Start invests in young children, their families, and a connected early childhood system that supports and prepares them for school and life ahead.

Case For Support

Reaching children in their earlier years sets them up for a lifetime of better outcomes in education, health, social behavior, and family income. Investing in early childhood programs delivers an ROI of 13% per child, per year by reducing future societal costs, creating a pipeline for a well-trained workforce and ultimately making our county a desired destination for both working families and growing businesses.

Case For Support

Reaching children in their earlier years sets them up for a lifetime of better outcomes in education, health, social behavior, and family income. Investing in early childhood programs delivers an ROI of 13% per child, per year by reducing future societal costs, creating a pipeline for a well-trained workforce and ultimately making our county a desired destination for both working families and growing businesses.

25 Years of Impact
79%

of child care facilities benefited from WCSS Programs

1,608

children served by early learning programs for 3- and 4-year-olds

40k

children served in fiscal year 2023-2024

More Impact

WCSS in the News

All News

Media Assets

Logos

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Videos

WCSS Recruitment and Impact Video Suite

Headshots

Gayle E. Headen, Executive Director

Testimonials

PSAs

PSA Copy

Press Releases

Block Party 2025 Press Release 25th Anniversary 2023 Press Release

Media Contact:

Jennifer MacPherson, Communications Manager

Brittany Turner - 919.723.9305)
jmacpherson@wakesmartstart.org