Building a Stronger Future for Forsyth County’s Children | | | Navigating State and Federal Funding Decisions | | |
Across North Carolina and the nation, critical funding decisions are unfolding that will shape the future of early childhood education — and their outcomes will have direct and lasting impacts on Forsyth County’s children, families, and early learning providers.
As President & CEO of Smart Start of Forsyth County (SSFC), I want to update you on the latest developments and explain how these decisions matter locally, not just in numbers, but in the lives of thousands of children and families we serve.
North Carolina’s Proposed Childcare Investments
Governor Roy Cooper’s Fiscal Year 2024–2025 budget proposal — titled “Securing North Carolina’s Future” — includes nearly $745 million in critical early childhood investments. This includes:
- $200 million in Child Care Stabilization Grants to keep centers open as federal pandemic-era funds expire.
- $128.5 million to increase child care subsidy rates, improving access for lower-income and rural families.
- $197 million to strengthen the NC Pre-K program for expanded reach and improved quality.
- $10 million to support Smart Start initiatives, including family engagement, health, literacy, and early intervention supports.
Why This Matters for Forsyth County
Here in Forsyth County, the stakes are high:
- Over 13,000 children aged 0–5 depend on a network of early care and education providers, family child care homes, and public-private partnerships that SSFC helps coordinate and support.
- Without stabilization funding, many local child care programs face potential closure, disrupting care for working families and forcing parents to leave the workforce or scramble for limited slots.
- Low wages for early educators continue to threaten Forsyth County’s ability to recruit
- and retain qualified teachers, directly affecting classroom quality and school readiness.
- Increased investments in NC Pre-K and Smart Start will allow Forsyth County to expand access to evidence-based early learning programs, health screenings, trauma-informed supports, and family engagement services that are proven to improve long-term outcomes.
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Our Commitment to Advocacy and Leadership
At SSFC, we are not waiting on the sidelines. Over the past month, I have had the privilege of meeting with the President of the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), local legislators, and Forsyth County leaders to share our successes and highlight our challenges. We are working closely with our childcare providers, school partners, and community organizations to ensure Forsyth County’s voice is heard as state policymakers debate these critical investments.
Together, we are advocating for a future where:
✓ Every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities.
✓ Every family has the supports they need to thrive.
✓ Every educator is valued and fairly compensated for their essential work.
The Path Forward
Research consistently shows that early childhood investments yield some of the highest returns of any public policy — boosting school readiness, reducing achievement gaps, and laying the foundation for a strong, resilient workforce.
But these outcomes are not automatic; they require sustained, intentional investment at every level.
Smart Start of Forsyth County remains steadfast in our mission to lead, innovate, and advocate for the children and families of our community. Together, with your partnership and support, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all.
Thank you for standing with us in this critical work.
With deep appreciation,
Dr. Louis A. Finney Jr.
President and CEO
Smart Start of Forsyth County
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Strategic Planning Opportunity:
SSFC Seeks Consultant
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Smart Start of Forsyth County (SSFC) has announced they are seeking a consultant or firm to develop their Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025-2030). This represents an excellent opportunity for organizations with expertise in nonprofit strategy, community engagement, and equity-centered planning.
Key Details:
- RFA Available: May 16, 2025 (Today!) on the Smart Start of Forsyth County website
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
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Submission Method: Email to Marvin Fulwood III at MarvinF@smartstart-fc.org
- Review Timeline: June 2-4, 2025
- Final Decision: June 5, 2025
- Contract Execution: By June 6, 2025
- Project Timeline: Work begins immediately after contracting, with initial deliverables due by June 16 and full completion required by August 30, 2025
Interested parties should download the full Request for Applications from the SSFC website immediately. For questions or additional information, contact Marvin Fulwood III, Director of Corporate Operations, at marvinf@smartstart-fc.org.
| | Juwon Crowell Honored with Community Impact Award | |
Congratulations to Juwon Crowell, recently recognized for outstanding contributions to early childhood education in our community! The award, presented by Financial Pathways of the Piedmont and Smart Start of Forsyth County, celebrates Juwon's dedication to improving the lives of children and families throughout Winston-Salem.
"I'm humbled to be given the opportunity to add value in the lives of children and families in Greater Winston-Salem," says Crowell, who continues to champion collaborative efforts that strengthen our city, county, and state.
Join us in celebrating Juwon's achievement and commitment to creating positive change for our youngest residents!
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M.A.L.E. Initiative Hosts Successful
Father-Child Event at Topgolf
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Our recent M.A.L.E. Initiative gathering at Topgolf Greensboro brought together fathers, father figures, and children for an evening of fun, connection, and community building. This event continues our commitment to strengthening father-child relationships across Forsyth County.
Research shows that positive father engagement significantly impacts children's development, including:
- Higher academic achievement and college attendance rates
- Improved emotional security and self-esteem
- Enhanced language development and problem-solving skills
- Better social skills and reduced behavioral issues
These special outings create opportunities for meaningful interaction while building our network of engaged fathers. Stay tuned for our next event coming in June!
The M.A.L.E. Initiative is a Smart Start of Forsyth County program dedicated to supporting male engagement in early childhood development.
| | | Family Resource Center Serves 26 Families in April | | |
Our Family Resource Center continues to be a vital support hub for Forsyth County families. Last month, we welcomed 26 families who received essential items including:
- Diapers and wipes for infants and toddlers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Seasonal clothing from our community clothing closet
- Connections to additional community resources
Visit Our Family Resource Center Located at our main office, the center is open Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm. All services are completely free, with no income requirements or appointment needed.
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Record Enrollment for Forsyth County
NC Pre-K Program
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The Forsyth County NC Pre-K Program has received an extraordinary response since opening applications on February 3, 2025. Over 600 families have applied in just three months, highlighting the tremendous need for quality early education in our community.
"This strong response demonstrates both the high demand for pre-kindergarten services and the trust Forsyth County families place in our program," notes Program Director Sarah Johnson. "We remain committed to providing experiences that prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond."
Applications Still Being Accepted
Families with children who will be 4 years old by August 31st can still apply:
NC Pre-K provides free, high-quality pre-kindergarten experiences to eligible four-year-old children.
| | | SPARK Program Ignites Professional Growth for Early Childhood Educators | |
Smart Start of Forsyth County is thrilled to announce our SPARK (Shaping Pathways for Advancing Resourceful Kinder-professionals) program has been officially registered with ApprenticeshipNC as of May 2, 2025!
SPARK creates exciting career pathways for early childhood educators through both pre-apprenticeship and full apprenticeship opportunities. Participants will earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience alongside formal education through Forsyth Tech Community College, all while receiving progressively increasing wages.
Under the leadership of Smart Start’s Vice President of Early Childhood Initiatives, Glynnise Highsmith, Director of Workforce Innovation and Partnerships, Daniel Ferguson, and Career Pathways Success Coach, Je’Lisa Myers, SPARK addresses critical workforce shortages while building a debt-free pipeline of qualified early childhood professionals for Forsyth County.
Ready to spark your career in early childhood education? Contact pki@smartstart-fc.org for more information!
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FROM THE DESK OF ADMINISTRATION
Team Updates & Events
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Celebrating Our Team
Congratulations to Daniel F and Wilma P on their 2-year work anniversaries! We appreciate your dedication and contributions to Smart Start of Forsyth County.
Professional Development Success
Several staff members recently attended the 2025 Smart Start Conference, gaining valuable insights on early childhood education, finance, and program guidelines. This investment in professional growth directly enhances the quality of support we provide to Forsyth County families.
Mark Your Calendar: May Events
Staff Retreat - Friday, May 30
Our upcoming retreat will focus on work-life balance with both on-site and off-site activities. Look forward to team-building exercises, wellness discussions, and emotional intelligence strategies. Additional details coming soon!
Spirit Week - May 27-30 The Sunshine Club invites everyone to participate:
- Tuesday (5/27): Decades Day - Fashion from your favorite era
- Wednesday (5/28): Twins Day - Coordinate outfits with a colleague
- Thursday (5/29): Sports Team Day - Wear college or pro team gear
- Friday (5/30): Color War Day - Wear your department color (Corporate: Red | Pre-K: Blue | Administration: Green | Programs: Orange)
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Quick Cybersecurity Tips: Spotting Phishing
Protecting our digital information is a team effort. Here are a few key things to watch out for in potential phishing attempts:
- Unexpected Requests: Be suspicious of emails asking for personal information you wouldn't normally provide online.
- Urgent Language: Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency to rush your decision-making.
- Suspicious Links: Before clicking, hover over links to see if the actual web address matches what is displayed.
- Generic Greetings: Phishing emails may use impersonal greetings like "Dear User" instead of your name.
If you encounter a suspicious email or message, please do not click on any links or provide information. .
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Join Us: Community Action for Child Care Solutions!
Thursday, May 29 | 5:30-7:30pm | Winston-Salem Public Library
Join MomsRising and the M.A.L.E. Initiative for a FREE community event addressing Forsyth County's child care crisis. We'll screen "Take Care," a powerful 20-minute documentary about NC's child care challenges, followed by a community discussion and action planning session.
What to expect:
- Dinner provided at 5:30pm
- Documentary screening at 6:00pm
- Kid-friendly activities available throughout
- Opportunity to make your voice heard
Together, we can demand better solutions for our children, families, and community!
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FCCEF Annual Conference: Renewing Mind, Body & Soul
June 5-8, 2025 | Registration Now Open!
Don't miss the Family Child Care Educators Foundation Annual Conference designed specifically for early childhood educators. This year's theme focuses on professional growth, personal well-being, and the future of family child care.
Enjoy four days of expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and meaningful connections with peers. Invest in yourself and your practice by securing your spot today!
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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.
| | | | Tuesday Training Series for Early Educators | | |
Every Tuesday | 6:00-8:00 PM | Smart Start of Forsyth County
Boost your teaching toolkit with our weekly professional development sessions designed specifically for early childhood educators.
Each workshop features:
- Practical classroom management strategies
- Hands-on STEM activities you can use tomorrow
- Essential safety certifications to keep your credentials current
- Networking with fellow local educators
These expert-led sessions provide immediately applicable skills to enhance your classroom environment and support our community's youngest learners.
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5/19 How to Deal With Child Traumatic Stress
5/26 Positive Interaction
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DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
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Danbi's Favorite Day by Anna Kim
In this charming sequel to the Asian Pacific American Honor winner "Danbi Leads the School Parade," author-illustrator Anna Kim returns with another heartwarming adventure.
Young Danbi eagerly invites friends to celebrate Korean Children's Day with promises of magnificent kites, tigers, and magical train rides. When reality—a simple picnic behind her parents' deli—doesn't match her grand vision, Danbi's creativity and imagination transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
Through stunning illustrations and engaging storytelling, Kim celebrates cultural traditions, the power of imagination, and the joy of bringing people together. This delightful picture book reminds readers of all ages that sometimes the most magical experiences come from the heart.
Perfect for: Ages 4-8, multicultural education, discussions about immigration experiences, and celebrating the beauty of everyday creativity.
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Morning Routine Magic:
Prep Tonight, Relax Tomorrow
Set yourself up for smoother mornings by preparing the night before:
- Lay out clothes (and have kids help choose their outfits)
- Pack lunches and prep breakfast items
- Place backpacks by the door with everything inside
- Create a visual morning checklist for young children
This simple 15-minute evening routine can transform chaotic mornings into calmer, more connected family time. Even better: involve children in the preparation process to build independence and responsibility while teaching valuable life skills.
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