About Us
About Us
What is the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children?
The Iredell County Partnership for Young Children (ICPYC) is a 501 (c) (3), public/private organization dedicated to measurably increasing learning and healthy development of children birth to age five in Iredell County. ICPYC provides services focused on raising the quality of early care and education, supporting families, advancing child health, and expanding literacy. ICPYC is the Smart Start affiliate for Iredell County and serves as our community’s lead
organization for young children and their families.
Who is served by the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children?
Our agency serves children birth to age 5 and their families and the early childhood workforce in Iredell County.
Why do programs funded by the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children focus on early childhood development?
The earliest years of childhood are critical. Experiences during this time literally shape the structure of the brain. Because today's children are tomorrow's leaders, parents and workers, everyone has a stake in making sure that all children have the experiences they need to thrive.
Years of research proves that educational and emotional development happens at a far greater rate in the earlier years of life. To make the greatest impact, we must maintain programs that support children in their earliest years of development. Children who arrive at school healthy and well-prepared:
- Outperform other children on achievement tests
- Require less grade repetition
- Are more likely to graduate high school
- Are less likely to be arrested or commit crimes.
How can I get help paying for childcare?
Our agency allocates Smart Start funds to the Iredell County Department of Social Services to help families pay for childcare through their subsidy system. Qualification requirements depend on family size, income, and other information. Although there is usually an extensive waiting list, we still encourage you to apply if you need financial assistance paying for childcare.
What is Smart Start?
Smart Start is North Carolina’s nationally-recognized initiative to ensure all children enter school healthy and ready to succeed. Smart Start helps working parents pay for childcare, improves the quality of child care and provides health and family support services in every North Carolina county.
Smart Start was the initiative that created all local partnerships in North Carolina and was launched in 1993 by Governor Jim Hunt. It is the only program of its kind because it is a comprehensive approach to preparing children for school, and it is being replicated in other states. Local Partnerships, such as ours, determine programs and services that best meet local needs. The North Carolina Partnership for Children is the umbrella non-profit organization which sets guidelines, as well as provides oversight and technical assistance to local partnerships across the state.
Is Smart Start just for low-income families?
No. Smart Start works to ensure all children have the skills they need to be successful in school. That could include access to higher quality child care, referrals to community services and support for families.
What is the difference between Smart Start and Head Start?
Head Start is a federally-funded preschool program that targets low-income 3- and 4-year-olds. Smart Start is funded through state and private funds and provides a variety of services for all children from birth to five years old and their families.
How can I enroll my child in a Smart Start center?
Smart Start is not a child care center. Our agency works to improve the quality of child care centers and homes through educational opportunities for child care teachers, reducing teacher turnover, providing resources and educational materials, etc. The Partnership can help you find high-quality child care arrangements in your community.
What is the difference between Smart Start and NC Pre-K?
Smart Start is a state-wide initiative that begins serving young children at birth with high-quality child care, health and family support services. Education begins at birth, so it’s important to reach children early. In Iredell County, our agency administers the NC Pre-Kindergarten program which specifically targets four-year-olds at-risk of school failure in a quality preschool classroom.