Caldwell County was selected through a grant process to be one of the first 12 counties to receive Smart Start funds. In Caldwell County, Smart Start grants and services were initially administered by Communities In Schools of Caldwell County, Inc. In 2004 Caldwell County Smart Start decided to seek its own 501 (c) (3) status and become a stand alone entity within Caldwell County. The new official name became Caldwell County Smart Start, A Partnership for Young Children.

Funding for all Smart Start activities continues to be administered by the North Carolina Partnership for Children located in Raleigh, North Carolina. NCPC contracts with local 501 (c) (3) organizations to determine the specific needs and resources of the community and then design comprehensive activities that are collaboratively implemented using existing resources. Caldwell County currently receives $2,290,415 to provide services to families and children birth to five. As mandated by the legislature 40% is dedicated to increasing the quality of licensed early care and education programs, 30% to increase access to high quality early care and education programs for low income families, and the remaining funding is available to provide health and family support services.

The success of the 22 programs and activities funded by Caldwell County Smart Start, A Partnership for Young Children, is reliant on the participation of local agencies and organizations that serve children as well as heavy involvement from the business and industry sector. The focus of the partnerships service will continue to be the preparation of Caldwell County’s children for a successful school career.