Article By: Sara Sampson
The Dare County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed September as Smart Start Month in Dare County, recognizing the importance of investing in young children, families and the early childhood educators who help children thrive.
Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County (CYP), Dare County’s local Smart Start partnership, is joining communities across North Carolina in celebrating Smart Start Month and highlighting the programs, resources and partnerships that help give young children a strong foundation for success.
CYP supports local families through programs including Triple P Positive Parenting, Kaleidoscope Play Groups and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, while also providing resources and support for early childhood educators and connecting families with community services.
As part of the celebration, CYP invites the community to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, September 15, at 10 a.m., celebrating the opening of its new Outdoor Learning Environment, located at the Center for CYP in Manteo (534 Ananias Dare Street). The ribbon cutting will be followed by an Open House from 10–11 a.m., where guests can explore the new outdoor space and playroom, visit CYP’s new Lending Library, meet staff, and learn more about local programs and resources. The Outdoor Learning Environment was made possible through the generosity of First Flight Rotary Club and community partners, including Garage Band Charities.
September also marks National Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 14–20. CYP is using the week to raise awareness about diaper need and to encourage support of its Diaper Bank. Since launching in 2020, CYP’s Diaper Bank has distributed more than 18,500 packs of diapers, providing an estimated 505,000 diaper changes to families across Dare County.
“Diapers are a basic necessity for families with young children, yet they can be a significant expense,” said Carla Heppert, Education & Program Evaluation Manager at CYP. “We are grateful for the generous support of our community, which allows us to help families meet this essential need.”
To contribute to Diaper Need Awareness Week, CYP has partnered with local organizations to set-up diaper collection bins. During the week of September 14-20, community members can drop off new, unopened diapers at the Outer Family YMCA, First Bank in KDH, Outer Banks Community Foundation, or any branch of the Dare County Libraries.
Addressing basic needs like diapers is an important part of helping young children and families thrive, and that commitment is at the heart of Smart Start Month.
“Smart Start Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many people in our community who are committed to helping children and families thrive,” said Sara Sampson, Executive Director of CYP. “We are grateful for the community partnerships that allow us to continue creating opportunities and providing resources that support children and families.”
CYP encourages the community to join the celebration on September 15, explore the new Outdoor Learning Environment, and discover ways to support children and families throughout Dare County.
To learn more about CYP’s programs, Diaper Bank, or ways to support local families, visit darekids.org or call 252-441-0614.
The Outer Banks Life- 9/11/2026- Dare County celebrates Smart Start Month with community open house and diaper need awareness
