Early childhood advocates made up of early childhood professionals, service providers, families and business people wear green t-shirts that read "Support + Early Childhood  = A Strong Future for North Carolina."

   On May 19, Durham County's Tuesday for Tots— a longstanding Smart Start event that bring local partnerships to the NC Legislature to connect with legislators —brought local Champions for Young Children together to ask legislators to be a part of the equation for NC's success. 

   The Durham group met with their six local legislators, Senate Pro Tempore Basnight's staff, and House Speaker Joe Hackney to urge them to support early childhood during this critical time in the state's history when budget shortfalls are at record highs. 

   The Durham advocates came with a first ever Board endorsed Legislative Agenda which urged legislators not to cut vital services to young children, to study More at Four and Smart Start consolidation and use federal stimulus dollars to support the child care needs of working families.

   The group followed up with calls and emails to remind legislators to minimize proposed cuts to early childhood. Smart Start services for our youngest children rest in the hands of the legislators as they finalize the budget over the next few weeks.

To stay informed about the latest early childhood issues, visit www.champions4youngchildren.net
   

Rep. Winkie Wilkins listens to mothers served by Smart Start family support programs.

Rep. Mickey Michaux listens to constituents talk about Durham's early childhood system.

Sen. Atwater takes a few moments in his office to be photographed with Champions for Young Children.

Partnership Board Member Joe Haenn talks to Lea Tackett, Director of Boards and Commissions for Sen. Basnight, about the importance of investing in early childhood.