The Dr. Thomas H. Batchelor Smart Start Resource Center is a lending library and valuable source of educational materials for early childhood students, educators and parents of young children in Union County. It is a lending library of more than 7,000 books, play items, art utensils and much more, all designed for children from birth to age 5. It is funded by Alliance for Children
The center was
originally created to provide early childhood students and educators the materials and supplies needed to provide high quality environments for children. It quickly became popular with parents, grandparents and other caregivers. Because children learn best through meaningful play experiences in an enriched environment with quality play materials, the Smart Start Resource Center has adopted the mission of making those quality materials available to educators and families concerned about providing the optimum development opportunities for their young children. The Resource Center is funded by Alliance for Children and is available to Union County residents. There are minimal yearly fees that allow patrons to check out multiple items at one time. Last year, the center had more than 2,500 visits, and more than 27,000 items were checked out. Items available for checkout include: Science kits, math games, blocks and puzzles, Art utensils and music supplies, such as easels, aprons, sponges, stencils, CDs and instruments,
books and thematic literature kits, dramatic play items, including costumes, puppets, dolls and furniture, and play food, gross motor play items for movement and outdoor play, manipulative materials for fine motor and math skills, and curriculum resource books.
