2026 Smart Start Conference

May 4 - May 7, 2026 | Greensboro, NC

Stay On-Site at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons

⚠️ Discounted rate available through April 3 or until sold out.

About the Conference

The Smart Start Conference is one of the largest conferences devoted to early education systems and strategies. The conference provides advanced professional development for early education leaders committed to improving the quality of and access to early childhood services for all children ages birth to five. It is intended for professionals who support families, for professionals who support those who work with children, and professionals engaging in early care and education systems change. Although we greatly value our early childhood workforce, content is not designed for those working directly with children.

#smartstart2026

What to Expect

The 2026 Conference features a full day of preconference sessions followed by three days of workshops and networking opportunities. The conference will also include several keynotes, special breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.

If you have any questions, please contact us at conference@smartstart.org.

Workshop Focus Areas

  • Early Care and Education
  • Child, Family, and Community Health
  • Data, Learning, and Evaluation
  • Family Support and Engagement
  • Systems Building and Leadership
  • Public Engagement, Advocacy, and Fund Development

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Opening Keynote - May 5, 2026

From Cradle to Career: Turning Partnership into Economic Mobility

Josh Davis

Vice President, Policy and Partnerships, Strive Together

Join Josh Davis for opening remarks followed by a conversation with Safiyah Jackson exploring how cross-sector partnerships can drive real, measurable outcomes for children and families. Drawing on work from Strive Together and its Cradle to Career Network, this session will connect big-picture systems change to the daily work of early childhood leaders. Attendees will gain practical insights into how strengthening community collaboration and focusing on early childhood experiences can advance school readiness, long-term success, and economic mobility. 

 

Closing Keynote - May 7, 2026

Building Your Bounce: Promoting Adult Resilience

Q&A with Dr. Nefertiti Poyner about DCRC's new self-paced courseDr. Nefertiti Poyner

Early Childhood Specialist, Author, & Training Consultant

Resilient children need resilient adults. Yet many of the people who support young children are experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, making it harder to show up each day with the energy and mindset this work requires.

This keynote centers on strengthening the resilience and well-being of the adults who support children, families, and communities. Simple, research-based strategies will be shared to help reduce stress and strengthen the ability to focus, practice patience, show empathy, set healthy limits, and experience greater joy in both life and work.

These simple strategies are not magic bullets that make stress and burnout go away, but they are research-based tools that you can start using right away. The session will offer space to reflect, recharge, and leave with renewed energy and a commitment to small, positive changes that support personal well-being and the work happening every day with children, families, teams, and communities.

RATES

 

Early Bird

Rate available until March 15

Standard

Rate available until April 15

Late

Rate available until conference ends

Preconference Only

May 4

 $150 $150 $150

3-Day Admission

May 5 - 7

 $325 $400 $475

4-Day Admission

May 4 - May 7

 $400 $475 $550

SPONSORS

Growing Together

For more information about sponsoring the 2026 Smart Start Conference contact: Yvonne Huntley | yhuntley@smartstart.org | 984-221-1242