Start Smart, Franklin County's focus on early childhood, is a public-private partnership designed to increase children's readiness for kindergarten and success in life. Based on brain research showing that the quality of early interactions increases children's capacity to learn, Start Smart will focus on improving the quality of early childhood experiences by:

• Assist more parents and caregivers through education, training and helpful materials.
• Create more child care spaces, in centers and homes, for babies and toddlers.
• Raise the quality of early care and education through accreditation and training.
• Collaborate with community medical care outreach programs to provide health care    information and parent materials.
• Advocate for public policy and funding to support high quality early care and education.
• Focus community attention on early childhood by regular communication with community   leaders and local media