Projects/Goals

Child playing a game.

Smart Start-Centre County has several action committees, all of which are working on projects and programs.

Please see our Committee and Program list below and if you have any interest in participating, please do not hesitate to contact us. The more resources we can share, the better our demonstration programs can be.

Parenting and Literacy

Co-Chairs: Connie Schulz and Anita Ditz

  • Maintain production/distribution of kindergarten calendar.
  • Evaluate success of Baby Book Bag Project and determine whether to continue it.
  • Participate in One Book Every Young Child initiative via story times at family day care centers.
  • Partner with Early Care and Education Committee to focus on calendar and other transition-to-kindergarten efforts.

Health and Nutrition

Chair: Eileen Wise

Download the Existing Centre County Health and Nutrition-Related Programs

  • Promote the health and wellness of Centre County children ages 0-6 through effective collaborations with other community organizations.
  • Provide educational and informative health and nutrition resources to children and families of Centre County to encourage healthy outcomes.
  • Identify areas where there may be gaps in health and nutrition services, seek funding, and develop projects.

Early Care and Education

Co-Chairs: Amy Wible and Sue Seely

  • Support Transition to Kindergarten process for all children, families, and child care programs in Centre County.
  • Collaborate with Parenting and Literacy Action Committee to form linkages with the five school districts in Centre County.
  • Support the child care directors in professional development and networking.

Early Childhood Mental Health

Co-Chairs: Shirl Smith and Wendy Whitesell

  • Continue Early Childhood Mental Health Speaker Series for child care and education providers, parents, and mental health professionals.
  • Develop, plan, and obtain funding for mental health consultation program to child care facilities in Centre County.

Communications and Public Advocacy

Chair: Nichol Sheridan and Ann Walker

  • Newsletter
  • Report Card to Community
  • Website updates
  • Press Kit
  • Press Releases
  • Radio/TV Contacts/Interviews
  • Advertising