Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Toolkit for ParentsREADING TIPS
Building Good Reading Habits
Begin reading to your child immediately. It may seem silly to read to very young children, but it will help you bond with your child and establish an important foundation for future learning. The earlier you start, the better the results! Learn more by clicking the age-specific reading tips, provided by CMS and Read Charlotte.
Birth to 2 Years
Ages 2 – 3 Years
Ages 3 – 5 Years
KINDERGARTEN READINESS
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Helps with Kindergarten Readiness
Children who are read to early in life are better prepared for school. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been shown to significantly increase the time parents and caregivers spend reading to their children each week. Learn more about preparing your child for kindergarten by selecting a reading tip.
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Other News
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Did you know that one in three children in the United States is overweight or obese? Being overweight or obese can put kids at risk later in life for diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers. It’s not too late for the child in your life, though! We want to give you the information you need to help keep your family healthy. Here are a few ideas for the entire family getting started on the road to better health.
Early Registration for National Smart Start Conference is Open
Get your tickets to the 2019 National Smart Start Conference. Registration for the nation’s largest conference devoted to early education systems and strategies is now open.This conference provides advanced professional development for early education leaders...
Blog and Personal Stories
Welcome! Families that are dealing with ASD have a unique journey. This journey is often difficult, but often funny as well. In this section, GPS invites our readers and families to share their personal stories of trials and success. This is your opportunity to...
Happy Birthday, Junior League of Charlotte!
The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc., (JLC) is celebrating their 95th anniversary! To honor this occasion, the JLC will initiate a diaper drive for their 95 Hours of Continuous Service Campaign running November 15 - 19. Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is thrilled to...
Encouraging Children to Wear Masks
In our current pandemic environment, face masks have become an everyday norm. Even as an adult, it can be challenging at time to wear a mask for prolonged periods of time, but these challenges are even greater for the youngest members of the community, especially...