About Us: Introduction

Introduction | Our Philosophy | Interview with the Author

The Region A Partnership for Children is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Sylva, NC, in 1994 to provide leadership and advocacy for early childhood education and to manage North Carolina’s Smart Start and More at Four initiatives in the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina and on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Our vision statement is “A nurturing community, a loving family, a smiling child.” We promote collaborative partnerships and fund services in our seven counties that focus on prevention and early intervention. We are research-based, strength-based, community-focused, family-centered, inclusive, and high quality.

The Partnership’s goals have always been aligned with Smart Start and More at Four, North Carolina’s early care and education initiatives to ensure that all children are healthy and prepared to succeed when they arrive at school. Our experience with families, communities, and schools has shown us that well-developed social and emotional skills are the foundation on which children build all other successes for school and for life. We know that schools can teach children to read and write if the children are excited about learning and have the basic skills to get along with others and to believe in themselves. We have found, however, that family-friendly materials and information about how to support children in developing these skills are hard to find.

One day, on a drive across the vast mountain region of western North Carolina, the creator of the Sparkle and Shine materials asked, “What would happen if we could create a fun and exciting way for parents and caregivers to spend time with their children singing and reading stories about getting along?” The idea was to blend early literacy with music, dance, and other activities in ways that would introduce children and their caregivers to the basic concepts of self-acceptance, confidence, respect, curiosity, good manners, and kindness toward others. With a cast of animal friends gathered around a pond, a wildly creative imagination, a depth of understanding of child development, and a dream to share, Sparkle and Shine was born.

Llynda Fogle, child development expert, creative spirit, poet, song writer, and lover of children, is the creator of the Sparkle and Shine materials. Llynda is passionate about improving the lives of children and helping them be ready and eager learners. She has over 30 years experience as a classroom teacher, trainer, mentor, early education consultant, storyteller, radio and video producer, columnist, and curriculum developer.