What is Smart Start of Pender County?
Smart Start is a statewide program designed to help all of North Carolina’s children enter school healthy and ready to succeed.
Smart Start of Pender County, Inc. administers Smart Start Funds in Pender County. We work in collaboration with several local agencies to serve children 0-5 in the community through child care, health care, and family support services. We offer a variety of services in support of parents and providers with the goal of promoting quality childcare in all of Pender County.
Smart Start of Pender County, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation and although we are primarily funded by the state, we rely on private contributions, as well as other grant sources to help meet the needs of the community.
| Request for Proposals Smart Start of Pender County is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for programs and services that benefit children ages 0 to 5 for fiscal years 2026–2029 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029). Smart Start of Pender County seeks proposals that focus on programs beneficial to children ages 0 to 5 and ensure that young children have the best opportunity to reach their full potential. Funding opportunities are available for the areas of health, family support, literacy and early care and education. All interested parties may contact Connie Carr-Costin, at (910) 259-9978 for additional information or to schedule a pre-proposal consultation. Request for Proposal (RFP) information and forms to be completed are available at RFP Bid Documents 2026 or at Smart Start of Pender County, 600 N. Timberly Lane, Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Fridays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. All completed proposals with required documentation, including budgets, must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm, Monday, March 9, 2026. If the proposal is accepted a budget must be submitted annually and continuation of contracts are based on an annual satisfactory evaluation of performance and the availability of funds. Faxed or emailed proposals will not be accepted. |
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Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Enroll Your Child Today!
Register your child today to receive a FREE, new book each month until age 5. Smart Start of Pender County and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are working together to bring books to North Carolina’s youngest children through funding provided by the North Carolina General Assembly. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a FREE program for all families with young children in Pender County regardless of income or zip code.
You can register online by visiting the website here or contact Angel Parker, Early Literacy Consultant at aparker@pender4kids.com or at (910) 259-9978. You can also register your child via the QR code below.
You can earn $$ for Smart Start of Pender County simply by using goodsearch to search the web, shop online, and dine out! Thank you for your support!
"In the final analysis it is not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings."
~ Ann Landers
