Family Support

Bladen Smart Start is committed to helping families do their best. To meet the diverse needs of Bladen County's families, Family Support programs promote school readiness by increasing the stability and involvement of parents in their children’s lives. These programs increase parents’ confidence and competence in their parenting abilities and empower them to create supportive environments for their children. Smart Start connects families to the information and resources they need to support their children's emotional, intellectual, and physical development.

The following family support programs are available to assist parents of young children:

• Parents As Teachers (A national program that is locally administered provides parent educators who make regular visits to the home of children not enrolled in formal child care to teach child development and engage families in parent – child activities)
• Raising A Reader (Program promotes daily book sharing between parents and their young children)