Overview
Smart Start Georgia (Smart Start), the early learning division of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta was created in May of 1999 because it was discovered that more than 642,552 of Georgia’s pre-school-aged children did not have access to quality early care and education.
Once aware of this need, and based on studies showing that children who experience high-quality, stable child care demonstrate better language and math skills, form secure attachments with adults and other children, and develop better cognitive and social skills, Smart Start adopted the READY CHILD EQUATION = Ready families + Ready communities + Ready Services + Ready Schools = CHILDREN READY FOR SCHOOL, as its catalyst to foster and improve quality early learning and life experiences for Georgia's pre-school generation.
More recently, because of its reputation of authority, the organization is now viewed as a critical early childhood organization, thus enabling Smart Start to leverage millions of dollars to better prepare children for kindergarten and life.
Additionally, with innovative state and local programs and outreach initiatives, Smart Start has developed and maintains strong commitments and partnerships with child care providers, parents, training and technical assistance organizations, and government and business leaders to improve the quality of early care and education for all children ages birth through five.
Since its inception, Smart Start has implemented the following state and local (Metro Atlanta) programs directly related to improving the quality of child care centers, group homes, and family care settings to support the important educational needs of Georgia’s youngest citizens:
Metro Atlanta Programs
- SPARK Georgia -- Kellogg’s initiative for school readiness that seeks seamless transition into school for children (ages three through six) who are at risk for not being ready to start school.
- Born Learning – Helps parents, caregivers, and communities provide early learning opportunities for young children.
- Early Reading First – Designed to transform existing early education programs into centers of excellence.
- Get Ready to Read (GRTR!) -- An early literacy program designed to screen children for pre-reading skills in the year before they enter Kindergarten, and based on the results of the screening, provide them with skill strengthening activities to ensure their reading success and improve school readiness.
Statewide Programs
- SCHOLARSHIPS -- Provides financial support for early care and education professionals as they continue their education.
- INCENTIVE$ -- A statewide salary supplement program for eligible early childhood teachers, directors, and family child care providers who work directly with children ages five and under.
- Training and Technical Assistance -- Training and Technical Assistance for centers and home providers in selected counties that are striving for excellence.
Service Description
Smart Start develops quality resources, commitments and partnerships between child care providers, government and business leaders to improve early care and education options for Georgia's children.
Areas Served
Smart Start is a statewide program serving all of Georgia.
Mission
Smart Start Georgia is a statewide organization partnering to improve the quality of care and education for all children ages birth through five by:
- Collaborating with State and Federal government and early learning experts in communities throughout Georgia;
- Educating parents, caregivers, and the public on the critical need for quality early learning for all children; and
- Promoting lifetime learning for children, the early learning community and professionals to ensure greater achievement throughout a child's education and beyond.
Smart Start's vision is that every child in Georgia will start kindergarten ready to succeed.
Executive Team
Sharen Hausmann, Executive Director
Economy Jackson, Director Community Investment
Katrina Mitchell, GRTR! Southeast Regional Director
G. Kim Sumpter, Project Manager
LeWanda Hall, Project Manager
Cori Dickens, Project Manager
Administrative Team
Cheryl Smith – Administrative Coordinator
Bridget Shepard – Communications Coordinator
Headquarters
Smart Start Georgia
100 Edgewood Ave., NE
2nd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404.527.7288
Web site
http://www.smartstartga.org
PR Contact
Stephanie Woolbright Libby
Edelman
Phone: 404.262.3000
stephanie.libby@edelman.com
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