Wake County Smart Start is a nonprofit organization that prepares children for success in school and in life. We serve children ages 0-5 and prepare them for kindergarten and life ahead.

Founded 1996, Wake County Smart Start improves the quality, accessibility and affordability of child care and family services. We are a private-public partnership that builds bridges between nonprofits, private child care centers and public institutions. We are administer the public NC Pre-K and ThreeSchool programs. We work closely with private child care centers to increase the quality of early childhood education and to place children in free programs. We fund programs across Wake County that provide much-needed services to children and families including parenting support, mental health services, early literacy and other community-centered programs.

We believe that:

    * Learning begins at birth;
    * All children deserve the best opportunities to grow
    * Families and communities play a critical role in children's learning; and
    * Collaboration is essential to accomplish our vision.
     *Poverty is not destiny - if we invest in children and families, they will thrive.

Wake County Smart Start

Gayle Headen

This department oversees organizational governance and compliance through board member engagement and decision-making.

Board Governance

This department focuses on building and maintaining relationships with the community through outreach efforts and public engagement initiatives.

Community Engagement

This department is responsible for overseeing data integrity, stewardship, and management within the organization.

Data Management

This department manages and supports educational programs and services.

Education Services

This department focuses on developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive organizational effectiveness and meaningful impact.

Wake County Smart Start

Org chart

Teams

Board Governance

Community Engagement

Data Management

Education Services

Strategy and Impact

Offices