Smart Start was created  in 1993 by former Governor Jim Hunt, in an effort to address the needs of North Carolina’s youngest citizens. Policymakers recognized that progress would require tapping into the same innovative spirit that inspired private sector advances, and therefore, established Smart Start as a public/private partnership. Independent, private organizations work in all 100 North Carolina counties through The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., and 77 Local Partnerships. Smart Start is a nationally recognized early childhood initiative designed to make sure every child reaches his or her potential and is prepared for success in a global community.

Beaufort County Partnership for Children was founded April 16, 1996. It was not funded by the state until 1998. Hyde County Partnership for Children dissolved June 30, 2004 and merged with Beaufort to form the Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children on July 1, 2004. The majority of our funding comes through the North Carolina Smart Start Initiative and North Carolina Pre-K Program. The Beaufort/Hyde Partnership now funds a wide range of children’s services.