"Sparse" would have been more fitting. After early political maneuvering in the budgetary process, Smart Start and More at Four, now the NC Pre-K program, will continue. In what capacity and at the expense of how many children and families remains to be seen.

Since the economic downturn began, our local early education system has endured a staggering decrease of over 40 percent in overall funding from our state legislature.

While the Orange County Partnership for Young Children, your provider of Smart Start and More at Four, has coped with these losses through careful prioritization, private fundraising and the streamlining of overhead, the severity of the cuts has rendered those methods inadequate. Programs that serve young children have been eliminated. Jobs have been lost, quality jeopardized. We are seeing a foundation built to support our children dismantled.

We have come to the "what do we do now?" moment. TThe children of Orange County are depending on us.

Although several local programs were not funded due to drastic state cuts, the dedication of the Partnership Board of Directors and the staff of the remaining programs serving our young children remains undiminished.

It is through this collaboration that we will endure. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to the future of the children of Orange County. We as a community must continue to remain diligent in meeting the needs of our youngest and most vulnerable. The importance of early education, care and services in the development of children has been proven. Research has shown that the more Smart Start and More at Four dollars in a community, the better children do throughout their schooling.

Please help us continue this fight. Please donate, volunteer, advocate and support the young children of Orange County. Learn more at www.orangesmartstart.org.