Smart Start of Forsyth County: Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Through Advocacy, Data, and Community Voice | | | |
Across Forsyth County and North Carolina, early childhood systems are at a crossroads. With the expiration of federal stabilization funds, more than 1 in 4 childcare providers in our state report potential closures within the next year. In Forsyth County alone, over 54% of children under age five live in childcare deserts—areas with limited or no access to high-quality early education. These challenges, if unaddressed, jeopardize school readiness, workforce participation, and long-term economic mobility.
At Smart Start of Forsyth County (SSFC), we are meeting this moment with urgency and resolve. Through intentional advocacy, community listening, and evidence-based leadership, SSFC aligns policy with the lived experiences of Forsyth’s children, families, and providers.
In March, SSFC hosted a landmark Legislative Luncheon with Representative Dr. Amber Baker (NC House District 72), Representative Kanika Brown (NC House District 71), and North Carolina Partnership for Children President Amy Cubbage. These leaders joined our community to explore the systemic barriers facing the early education workforce and the need for equitable public investment.
Our efforts extend beyond one event. SSFC recently presented to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners and the Winston-Salem City Council, providing a compelling data narrative emphasizing the link between childcare access, family economic development, and K-12 academic success.
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We’re also proud that SSFC Board Members are actively advocating and engaging with local and state leaders to push for fully funded, sustainable early childhood systems.
Beginning in May, SSFC will host a series of Listening Sessions with childcare providers and families to gather real-time data and elevate the voices of those most impacted. This input will inform our forthcoming 2025 Early Childhood Impact Report, which will guide our advocacy strategy and shape recommendations for equitable investments.
SSFC continues to unite public, private, and civic partners in a common vision: that every child in Forsyth County deserves an equitable start in life, no matter their ZIP code.
Dr. Louis A. Finney Jr.
President and CEO
Smart Start of Forsyth County
| | The Rhythm of Change Continues as Community Support Shatters Fundraising Goals | |
Thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Forsyth County community and friends, SSFC not only achieved its ambitious goal of $50,000 but surpassed it—raising an extraordinary $90,099.50 in support of Forsyth County’s youngest learners and their families.
This significant accomplishment reflects the power of community collaboration and the collective commitment to ensuring that every child in Forsyth County has equitable access to quality early learning, health, and family support services.
Smart Start of Forsyth County extends its sincerest gratitude to the entire Forsyth County community, including civic leaders, nonprofit partners, businesses, and dedicated residents whose contributions made this achievement possible. Your shared belief in early childhood investment continues to transform lives and shape a brighter future for all.
We are especially honored to recognize the outstanding support of all our event sponsors, whose sponsorships directly benefited multiple early childhood educators. Their generosity and leadership help elevate the early childhood profession and expand access to critical resources and training.
We also celebrate the extraordinary commitment of our Board of Directors and the SSFC staff, all of whom demonstrated their deep belief in our mission with 100% giving participation. Their unified support sends a powerful message about the values and culture of Smart Start—one rooted in service, innovation, and excellence.
Funds from the event will directly support SSFC’s comprehensive programs that span early care and education, mental and behavioral health, family engagement, workforce development, and more.
| | Local Leaders Tackle Early Childhood Funding Challenges at March Community Meeting | | |
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Smart Start of Forsyth County hosted a Community Education Meeting focused on North Carolina's early childhood and childcare funding policies and their impact on local providers, workforce, and families. The event took place at the Goodwill Building in Winston-Salem from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Pastor Tembila Covington, Board Chair of Smart Start of Forsyth County, moderated a distinguished panel featuring Dr. Louis A. Finney, Jr. (President & CEO of SSFC), Amy Cubbage, JD (President of North Carolina Partnership for Children), Representative Dr. Amber Baker (NC House of Representatives, District 72), and Representative Kanika Brown (NC State Senate, District 32).
Following opening remarks by Dr. Finney, the panel discussed critical childcare funding trends and workforce impacts. Attendees then participated in a working lunch, allowing for informal engagement with panelists and fellow stakeholders.
Dr. Amy Cubbage delivered a comprehensive presentation on North Carolina's early childhood policy and funding updates, addressing questions from attendees. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Pastor Covington, who summarized key takeaways and encouraged continued advocacy for early childhood education.
This informative session provided valuable insights into the current landscape of early childhood funding and its implications for Forsyth County's children, families, and childcare professionals.
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Family Child Care Center Enrichment
Conference 2025
Time is running out! Join us for the Family Child Care Center Enrichment Foundation Conference: Renewing Mind, Body, and Soul on June 5 - June 8 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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Smart Start Conference 2025: Advancing Early Childhood Education April 29-May 2, 2025 in Greensboro, NC
Join us for the 2025 Smart Start Conference, one of the nation's premier gatherings dedicated to early education excellence. This four-day event brings together leaders and professionals committed to improving quality and access in early childhood services for children ages birth to five.
The conference opens with intensive preconference sessions on April 29, followed by three days of specialized workshops covering Early Care and Education, Child and Family Health, Family Support, Public Engagement, Fundraising, Management, and Systems Building. Attendees will benefit from inspiring keynote presentations, networking opportunities, and a special keynote luncheon.
This professional development opportunity is designed specifically for system-level professionals who support families, those who train and develop early childhood workers, and leaders engaged in early care and education systems change.
Register today to connect with colleagues and advance your impact on early childhood systems!
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NAFCC 2025: Join Family Child Care Leaders in Dallas This Summer
The NAFCC 2025 Conference will take place from July 31 to August 2, 2025, with pre-conference workshops on July 30, 2025. This event will be held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, and aims to bring together family child care educators, advocates, and early childhood education agencies for networking and learning opportunities.
| | | | Empower your professional growth with Smart Start of Forsyth County's weekly training sessions. Every Tuesday, early education providers gather to enhance their skills through interactive workshops led by field experts. From classroom management techniques to hands-on STEM activities and essential safety certifications, these sessions deliver practical tools you can implement immediately. Join fellow educators in building a stronger foundation for our youngest learners. | |
DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
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This Is the Tree We Planted by Kate McMullan
In this captivating picture book, follow along as a classroom of curious students plants a single tree in their playground and witnesses it transform into a thriving ecosystem. As seasons pass, the children observe a fascinating web of life unfold among the branches - from a protective robin guarding her precious eggs against a family of squirrels, to a stealthy lizard pursuing a spider, and a majestic hawk circling overhead. With each new discovery, the students gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnected natural world they've helped create. Celebrated author Kate McMullan weaves a gentle yet powerful story that inspires young readers to nurture their environment and discover the vibrant communities flourishing just outside their doors. A perfect springtime reminder that even the smallest act of planting can yield extraordinary results.
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Financial Pathways of the Piedmont:
A Crucial Smart Start Partner
Financial Pathways of the Piedmont serves as a vital partner to Smart Start of Forsyth County, providing essential financial education and support to families throughout our community. Their dedicated team of certified financial educators and counselors offers compassionate, confidential assistance to those facing economic challenges.
Many local families struggle with financial obstacles that can impact their ability to provide stable environments for young children. Financial Pathways steps in with practical solutions, helping parents resolve debt, create sustainable budgets, navigate credit wisely, and avoid financial crises. Their services empower families to establish strong financial foundations—whether through saving for education, working toward homeownership, or simply achieving greater economic stability.
Through accessible financial literacy classes, personalized counseling, and targeted community outreach, Financial Pathways meets families where they are. Their commitment to providing these services at little to no cost ensures that all families, regardless of circumstance, can access the support they need to build financially secure futures for their children.
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Boosting Your Baby's Development (0-1 years)
Connect with your little one through simple daily interactions that make a big impact! Narrate your day as you go, responding to your baby's coos and babbles like you're having a real conversation.
This back-and-forth builds crucial language skills. Make reading part of your routine, even if it's just a few colorful board books before naptime. Your baby loves the sound of your voice, so don't hesitate to break into song during diaper changes or bathtime!
Remember that your positive attention is incredibly powerful - those smiles and words of encouragement shape how your baby sees the world. And while fancy toys are nice, nothing beats time exploring outdoors or engaging in active floor play.
These small, consistent efforts add up to significant developmental gains without adding extra time to your busy day.
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