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 an education-based salary supplement through the Child Care WAGE$ Project. The project is designed to provide preschool children more stable relationships with better educated teachers by rewarding teacher education and continuity of care. Any child care professional earning at or below selected income caps may be eligible to participate. The supplement recipient must work with children between the ages of 0-5 at least 10 hours per week in a licensed child care program in Forsyth County and must have some formal child care credential or education beyond a high school diploma. In order to participate in the project, interested child care professionals must complete an application and provide verification of current employment in a participating county child care program, current wages and educational credentials.

For more information, click here or contact Child Care Services Association at 919.967.3272 or www.childcareservices.org.

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