Since 1994, Hertford County have been home to North Carolina’s award winning Smart Start initiative for children from birth to 5. To provide Smart Start services each local partnership develops a comprehensive plan that targets the greatest needs in their community among three core services: child care (quality, affordability, and availability); health; and family support. Smart Start legislation mandates how much from each local partnership’s allocation should be spent on specific services. Programs must meet Smart Start’s evidence-based and evidence-informed standards. They only invest in best practices for our children.