Smart Start Resource Center

Resources to Spark a Child’s Imagination

The Smart Start Resource Center (SSRC) is funded by the Alliance for Children and hosted by South Piedmont Community College. The SSRC is a lending library of more than 5,000 resources, all carefully selected to support Union County children ages 0-5 in their learning and development. Our staff is available to provide guidance to patrons as they choose materials.

About the Smart Start Resource Center

The lending library allows patrons to borrow costumes, games, blocks, puzzles, musical instruments, literature kits, art supplies, books, math manipulatives, puppets, outdoor play items, STEM materials, and more.  Union County families and childcare facilities can utilize the SSRC to enhance their children’s educational experiences, exposing them to a wealth of materials they may not have access to otherwise. 

The SSRC’s knowledgeable and helpful staff are happy to assist and guide patrons as they select materials.  The lending library is a great resource that reduces the financial burden and stress on parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, therapists, and program directors serving Union County children.  Free delivery is available to Union County childcare centers and preschools. 

Photo of a young boy playing with a space ship toy at the Smart Start Resource Center.

Who Can Use the Smart Start Resource Center

• Child care providers and early interventionists who work in a Union County childcare facility
• Families of children ages 0-5 who live in Union County
• South Piedmont students and staff

Photo of shelves containing books, games, and other early childhood resources available at the Smart Start Resource Center.

Available Resources & Services

  • Science kits and math games
  • Blocks and puzzles
  • Art utensils and music supplies
  • Books and thematic literature kits
  • Storytelling kits
  • Dramatic play items
  • Special need items
  • Manipulative materials
  • Curriculum resource books 
  • Lamination
  • Color/black-and-white copies
Image depicting the layout of the South Piedmont Old Charlotte Highway campus.

Hours and Location

Tuesdays, 3-7 pm

Wednesdays, 10 am-6 pm

Thursdays, 10 am-6 pm

Location: SPCC Mobile Unit 1 (marked as C1 on the map)

1851 South Piedmont Street,
Monroe, NC 28110

Photo of toys and games available at the Smart Start Resource Center.

Membership Information

The cost for a yearly membership is $5 for up to 15 items checked out at a time. South Piedmont employees and students get a free membership for up to five items checked out at a time. North Carolina pre-K teachers get a free membership for up to 15 items checked out at a time.

Photo of a Smart Start Resources Center staff member helping a patron.

Staff Contact Information

Education Stars Program Director Stacey Fleming can be reached at sfleming@spcc.edu or 704. 993.2415.

Staff members include:

Lori Ingram

Charlotte Stegall

Susie Bowen

Email us: smartstartresourcecenter@gmail.com

Call us: 704.290.5894