Some of our success stories!
From the Education STARS program
Thank you for the opportunity to take advantage of the Smart Start Education STARS program. This program enables people like me to continue education while also being a working parent. It would not have been a possibility if I had to pay for this class out of my pocket. I have been able to use this program to better my education and it has enabled me to keep my position with the Union County Public School system. Sincerely, Amanda
I have an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Through Education STARS I will be able to earn my credits and certificate in Administration for Early Childhood. Without the encouragement of my director and the Education STARS program this would not have been possible. Thank you for caring about early childhood teachers and helping pay for our education. It will help us become better teachers for our future generation. This has also encouraged me to want to look into going further and earn my bachelors degree. Again thank you so much! Jean
From the Best Start program
“The best part about it (Best Start Program) is it made school so much easier to me and also motivated me more to go to school and get good grades but overall I really appreciated all the help and support I got.”- 10th grade mother
“The Best Start Program is a wonderful program that helps teen parents that are in school and gives them an opportunity to still do school so they don’t have to drop out and can keep going in there studies. The program helps with things you might need by going to school and getting good grades. It helps you gain points so your able to buy things for your baby that they might need. Overall the Best Start Program is a wonderful program with amazing people to help out teen parents with their studies and things they may want or need! – 10th grade mother
From Nurturing Parenting Program
Nicole is a phenomenal instructor. I could not have asked for a better person to guide me. It not only helped us figure out how we could adjust one of our child’s behavior to a traumatic event, but it also helped us adjust as parents with how to handle it, without getting frustrated as parents tend to do at times when they don’t know what to do for their kids. (A 2024 Nurturing Parenting Program graduate)
S, mom of 6, was referred to Parenting Support by her pediatrician’s office because of a behavior concern at her 4yo’s child care center. Her daughter (M) was having anger outbursts and difficulty following directions. The pediatrician believed mom could benefit from the support and education that Parenting Support provides. Mom was a little hesitant at first but wanted to do whatever she could to help her child, especially when 2 of the younger children were mirroring M’s behaviors. Mom was encouraged by the various consequences she could use and realized having her daughter help with additional chores, as well as having her do 2 nice things for someone for every not nice thing she did, (restitution) was what really helped the behaviors turn around. The kids looked forward to “Ms. Nicole” coming and were excited to show her the routine chart they made together. Mom said having the visual was a big help for the smaller ones and had actually decreased the whining. Mom stated in her Celebration statements, “The biggest positive change I have seen in my family over the past 12 sessions is better problem solving and following the rules.” (A 2024 Nurturing Parenting Program graduate)
From the Smart Start Resource Center
We have been patrons of the SSRC for many years, and there is not enough space to describe what a blessing it has been for our family. When my children were younger, the SSRC was instrumental in providing toys that encouraged my children to practice their fine motor skills. As they have grown, we have moved on to checking out toys that involve family games, early reading activities, and number sense.
We could never have afforded all of the educational toys that the SSRC has allowed my children to experience. The SSRC has provided fun resources for my kids to learn without as many worksheets or screen time. I am forever grateful that the SSRC exists and it is a place we will always remember as pivotal in our children’s development! (Leslie R. Smart Start Resource Library Patron, 2024)
We at Laurelwood Community Preschool extend our heartfelt thanks to Smart Start Resource Center for providing us with invaluable materials and tools that have greatly enhanced our educational program. Their extensive variety of educational toys, equipment, and resources has allowed us to elevate our lessons and projects, making them even more extraordinary and beneficial for our students.
The team at Smart Start Resource Center has been exceptionally supportive, consistently checking in to see if we need anything and readily delivering resources when requested. Their dedication and generosity have made a significant impact on our community, and we are truly grateful to have discovered this wonderful organization. Thank you, SSRC, for helping us create an enriched learning environment for our students!