Smart Start Rowan has a “clean bill” of financial health, according to the Office of State Auditor. An audit of 2007-2008 Smart Start activities found the organization was in compliance and had appropriate internal controls.
The state audits Smart Start Rowan every two years. Auditors look for compliance in three core areas: accuracy of financial statements; how the partnership processes and authorizes transactions such as grants, accounts payable, payroll and cash receipts; and contract compliance.
“We are very pleased with our results,” said Leda Belk, board chair for Smart Start Rowan. “We have worked hard to use every tax dollar wisely to help our children and our county thrive, and this audit shows we have done just that.”Smart Start is an early childhood leadership network that leverages private and public dollars to address issues critical to North Carolina’s young children. Created in 1993 by Gov. Jim Hunt, Smart Start is funded in all 100 North Carolina counties and is administered by 78 local Smart Start partnerships that create community-based programs. Smart Start financially supports programs that increase the number of quality early childhood program, provides education credits to early childhood workers, supports parent education programs and connects families with medical services.
The North Carolina Partnership for the Children (NCPC) Inc. leads the state Smart Start initiative. NCPC places great emphasis on local control, coupled with strict accountability, oversight and measures to ensure financial integrity. NCPC undergoes annual audits and the Smart Start partnerships undergo either annual or biennial financial and compliance audits by the State Auditor.
For more information about Smart Start Rowan programs and activities offered in Rowan County, visit the Partnership’s Web site at www.rowan-smartstart.org, or call 704-630-9085.