Smart Start of Transylvania County (SSTC) is more than just an early childhood education program; it is a community-driven effort to empower parents and promote the holistic development of children. Through dedicated professionals, comprehensive support, and a vast referral network, SSTC is making a lasting difference in the lives of many families in Transylvania County.
The understanding that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, parents, and workers underpins every effort made to ensure that all children have the experiences they need to thrive. SSTC brings together all the individuals involved in a young child’s life—families, teachers, doctors, caregivers, social workers, and many others—to create a unified support system. This integrated approach ensures that every child has access to the resources necessary for healthy growth and development.
Recognizing that experiences during early childhood literally shape the brain’s structure, SSTC pursues every opportunity to advance the health and wellness of young children and their families. In 2023, this commitment led them to explore participation in the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP).
Since joining HOP, Smart Start of Transylvania County has enabled families to access previously unavailable resources that contribute to their overall wellbeing, including healthy food boxes, reliable transportation, and safe housing. This partnership has also strengthened SSTC’s relationships with other human service organizations they’ve worked with through HOP.
“Our HOP partnership builds on the way we already address families and their needs,” said Eileen Mouyard, SSTC managing director. “It’s a whole-person, whole-family approach that builds strong relationships between both family members and the community.”
The SSTC team recognizes Transylvania County faces several challenges, including geographic and workforce issues, such as training and retaining early childhood educators. Similar to other regions in Western North Carolina, there is a shortage of affordable housing. Additionally, there are infrastructure challenges in supporting early childhood education. SSTC strives to fill these gaps by maintaining proven programs and trying new initiatives.
Laura Towell, SSTC family support specialist, points to one success story that illustrates how they’re working to support their families and address disparities. “A newly single mother of two wanted to become an early education teacher but didn’t know where to start. We connected her with community resources, helping her get qualified and certified. Now, she is employed full-time as an early childhood educator.”
In a world where the future is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of our children, Smart Start of Transylvania County’s mission and efforts serve as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the youngest members of our society.
SSTC understands that investing in healthy opportunities for our youngest community members and their families will positively impact Transylvania County for many generations to come.
