In 2023, Forsyth County Commissioners and The City of Winston-Salem approved over $4M of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds to support increased quality standards in a model cohort of 32 Pre-K classrooms representative of the Pre-K landscape across Forsyth County.
The selected model cohort classrooms will provide special supports for teachers and families, as well as enhance the quality of learning for children in the model cohort classrooms. The initiative will impact over 500 students and approximately 64 teachers in the 2023–24 school year.
ARPA grant funds for the Pre-K Model Cohort Classrooms are being administered by Smart Start of Forsyth County and will be distributed to partner organizations including Family Services of Forsyth County, Child Care Resource Center, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Hispanic League, Forsyth Futures, and Prismatic Services.
ARPA funding will support teachers, families, and children in the 32 model cohort classrooms by providing:
–Leslie Mullinix
Project Dirctor of The Pre-K Priority
If you believe all children have the right to equitable learning opportunities that help them achieve their full potential in school, work, and life, sign our pledge to show community support for Pre-K in our community.
Sign the PledgeA few times a quarter, we send out a newsletter with the latest news on Pre-K in Forsyth County. We will be sharing updates on the 32 cohort classrooms, as well as information on other opportunities to get involved.
Our elected officials need to hear from you, and maintaining our strong momentum as we move towards more permanent funding for Pre-K is critical. Show your support at City Council meetings and County Commissioners meetings
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Task Force was established in the spring of 2021 to help determine recommendations and create a plan for the implementation of a Pre—K system in Forsyth County to provide all families with the opportunity to enroll their children in a high-quality program.
DOWNLOAD reportSee details about how ARPA grant funding will support services for teachers, families, and children in the 32 Pre-K model cohort classrooms.
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