Interested in learning more about Wake County SmartStart? Click here to review the organization's 2011-2012 fact sheet.

Please take a look at the Q&A below. If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please e-mail Louise Bannon at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

What is Wake County SmartStart?
Wake County SmartStart is a non-profit organization that works to ensure children, birth to 5, in Wake County are prepared for success in school and in life. The organization focuses its efforts and funding in three areas of priority: 1) quality child care is available and accessible; 2) children are safe, healthy and live in supportive environments, and; 3) children are ready for kindergarten. Wake County SmartStart provides funding to Wake County non-profits that work with children birth to 5 and their families, and provides technical assistance to Wake County child care centers and child care homes that are seeking to improve or maintain their star rating.

How is Smart Start funded?
Smart Start is funded by the state through the North Carolina General Legislature. Other funds are provided by private donations and grants from corporations and foundations.

What is the connection between Wake County SmartStart and the NC Pre-kindergarten program?
Wake County SmartStart and the NC Pre-kindergarten program are two separate programs. However, Wake County SmartStart administers the NC Pre-kindergarten Program in Wake County only. Wake County SmartStart processes applications from families and places children in prekindergarten classrooms, processes applications from child care centers wanting to host a prekindergarten classroom and provides oversight and technical assistance to existing Pre-kindergarten Program administrators.

Are Wake County SmartStart programs only for low-income families?
While many of Wake County SmartStart-funded programs give priority to our neediest children, the organization works to ensure all children in Wake County, birth to 5, have the skills they need to be successful in school and life.

How are funding decisions made? Click here for more information.

How can local businesses and business leaders get involved?
Support from local businesses and business leaders is important! If you are interested in speaking with a Wake County SmartStart representative send an e-mail to Louise Bannon. For more information, click here.

Is Wake County SmartStart run by the state?
No. Wake County SmartStart is a private nonprofit. We have a local Board of Directors with community and business representatives. Our Board sets boundaries and makes key operational and funding decisions that the Executive Director then manages.

Does Wake County SmartStart operate child care centers? No, the organization does not operate child care centers. Click here for more information.

Can I obtain child care vouchers through Wake County SmartStart?
Wake County SmartStart does not provide child care vouchers. Wake County’s Subsidy Program is administered by Wake County Human Services. To learn if your family is eligible or to receive an application, contact Wake County Human Services Subsidy Program Office at 919-773-7600.

Is Wake County SmartStart affiliated with Head Start?
No. Wake County SmartStart and Head Start are separate programs. Wake County SmartStart is funded by the State of North Carolina and private contributions. Head Start is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (federal program). Information about the Head Start program in Wake County can be found via the Telamon Corporation and National Head Start Association Web sites.

Have questions about: 

• Enrolling your child in Pre-kindergarten? Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Applying to be a NC Pre-kindergarten program Classroom? Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Partner Evaluation? Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• WCSS Grant Process? Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Partner Reporting Requirements? Contact John Guenther 
• Partner Audit? Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Contract Payment or Accounts Payable? Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Participating in our Quality Enhancement program? Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Receiving Child Subsidy? Contact Wake County Human Services Subsidy Program Office, 919-773-7600
• Starting a child care center? Contact the North Carolina Division of Child Development, 1-800-662-7030
• North Carolina's Star Rating License? Contact the North Carolina Division of Child Development, 1-800-662-7030
• Teacher Education or training classes? Contact Child Care Services Association, 919-779-2220
• Obtaining a loan to start a child care center? Contact the Self Help Credit Union, 919-956-4400