Child Health
Healthy behavior patterns established early in life often lead to lifelong benefits and decreased probability of serious disease later in life. Smart Start strives to improve outcomes for children by working with medical providers, health departments, families, and communities to improve the health and safety for young children, prevent childhood obesity, and ensure that more children are screened for developmental delays and 
referred to services for help long before they start school. 
This focus on instilling healthy habits early and working to change the environments that children spend a significant amount of time in.

Establishing healthy habits early in life is critical to a child’s overall development and long-term well-being. Smart Start offers initiatives designed to reduce barriers and meet essential needs. Through the work of Iredell County Partnership for Young Children, families are supported with resources and programs that promote safe, stable, and nurturing environments where children can grow and thrive.


The Pampered Pantry program provides diapers, wipes, and other basic necessities to families with young children, helping ease financial stress and ensuring children have what they need to stay clean, healthy, and comfortable. By supporting these foundational needs, families are better able to focus on their child’s growth and development.


In addition, the Iredell Safe Seats program promotes child passenger safety by providing education, resources, and access to appropriate car seats. Caregivers receive guidance on proper installation and usage, helping ensure children are protected every time they travel. This program plays a vital role in preventing injury and increasing awareness of best practices for keeping young children safe.



Together, these efforts reflect a commitment to strengthening families, promoting healthy habits, and creating safe environments where children can thrive during their most critical early years.

The Iredell County Partnership for Young Children offers the following programs to support the healthy development of children: