Professional Development

Retaining professionals in the early childhood education field is critical to the success of young children. Smart Start’s professional development services allow educators to receive increased salaries and obtain higher levels of education.

Scholarships
Smart Start of Forsyth County provides education scholarships to qualified teachers and students enrolled in early education programs. Scholarships are offered to raise educational levels among child care providers and create credentialed early childhood educators and directors. Scholarships for tuition and books are provided at Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem State University, and Salem College. Scholarships are available for students working in an early childhood program in Forsyth County at least 20 hours per week, and enrolled in one of the schools above. Scholarships are offered during the fall, spring, and if funds are available, summer semesters. Scholarships are not available to students already receiving another scholarship.
Contact: 725-6011 · Application

Salary Supplements
Smart Start of Forsyth County offers professional development supplements to reduce turnover among child care providers and to encourage the retention of child care providers who have higher levels of education. Salary supplements are distributed semi-annually to providers based on education credentials. All teachers and/or administrators who directly supervise teachers working in regulated care and/or are meeting minimum licensing requirements for ratios and teacher education are eligible to participate in the program. Applicants are required to have earned at least the Early Childhood Certificate or Early Childhood Administrative Certificate to be eligible for the program.
Contact: 725-6011 · Requirements

Early Education Curriculum
Forsyth Technical Community College offers early childhood education curriculum with one full-time equivalent instructor. Five to six courses a semester will be offered in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends at the college to increase education levels among early childhood professionals. Classes will be available for all professionals in early childhood careers and those considering a career in early childhood. Classes will be primarily offered at Forsyth Tech with the possibility of off-site courses through local collaborations.
Contact: 734-7956 www.forsythtech.edu