Equity in Education

A special report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) describes how Black children experience unequal treatment beginning at an early age, which contributes to inequalities in learning and development.

Read the report

the future is
four years old

We’re The Pre-K Priority — a coalition of community organizations and individuals committed to improving the number of affordable, high-quality Pre-K programs available to all four-year-olds in Forsyth County.

take the Pre-K pledge

FOCUS ON FOUR

Educators, parents, and community leaders discuss the importance of Pre‑K.

P
‍

#Fridgeworthy

Maybe you’ve seen our refrigerators around town?
With a nod to all the little creators across our community, we’re committed to celebrating the imagination of 4-year-olds, as well as creating something we can all be proud of in Forsyth County: Pre-K for all four-year-olds.

Show us what‘s #fridgeworthy.

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What is the pre-K priority?

Of the approximately 4,500 four-year-olds in Forsyth County each year, approximately two-thirds are eligible for publicly-funded Pre-K based on family income, yet currently only half of those eligible children are enrolled due to insufficient state and local funding. At the same time, middle-class families struggle to find affordable, high-quality Pre-K programs. We can do better.

The Pre-K Priority educates and advocates for affordable, high-quality Pre-K programs in Forsyth County. We invite community support and input while seeking the commitment of public officials, business leaders, and neighborhood champions to bring about successful efforts to expand pre-k education.

Why Pre-K?

High-quality early learning through Pre-K helps children enter Kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.

Child
benefits

Nurtures a child’s brain during the critical, early years of life—academically, socially, and emotionally

Helps reduce the achievement gap; and increases test scores, high school graduation rates, and college attendance

Fewer children require special education programs

Benefits all children and has an even greater impact on socially and economically disadvantaged students and dual language learners

family
benefits

Allows families to pursue employment knowing their children are safe and receiving high-quality care

Helps reduce financial burden on working families (subsidized Pre-K)

Provides resources and support for parents/guardians early in their child’s development, and offers screenings to identify potential developmental and health issues

community
benefits

Children will become adults who are well-prepared for the workforce

Every $1 invested yields $7 in long-term economic savings

Reduces the need for tax dollars spent on educational remediation, social supports, or criminal justice

Ensuring that every child begins school on track academically and socially is one of the best investments we can make as parents, employers, and citizens. Therefore:

I support access to affordable, high-quality Pre‑K for every 4‑year‑old in Forsyth County.

I support increasing the availability of high-quality Pre‑K programs in our community.

I support Forsyth County Commissioners making Pre‑K a priority in the 2020–2021 budget.

I value and appreciate our teachers, staff, and administrators, and thereby support compensation practices reflecting their importance to our community.

By signing this pledge I agree that my name may be listed in publications of Family Services as a supporter of the Pre‑K Pledge.

Thanks for your support!

Ensuring that every child begins school on track academically and socially is one of the best investments we can make as parents, employers and citizens. I support access to affordable, high-quality Pre-K for every 4-year old in Forsyth County.

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communications toolkit

We want you to help us spread the word about how our community CAN benefit from high-quality Pre-K for every four-year-old.

use the toolkit

Read the reports

Read more about how we’re building a foundation for the future of Forsyth County.

Download summary

Download Findings & Recommendations

Download full report

Currently, Forsyth County local government invests

in Pre-K Education.

Of the roughly 4,500 four-year-olds in Forsyth County, only

33%

are enrolled in a publicly-funded Pre-K program.

In North Carolina, the average annual cost for full-day care for four- year-olds is

$7,920

In comparison, the average annual cost of tuition and fees at a public college is $7,385.

In Forsyth County, approximately

2,700

four-year-olds are eligible for enrollment in a publicly-funded Pre-K program.

Studies show as many as

90%

of households would enroll their children in early childhood programs if they could afford the high cost.

Equity in Education

the future is
four years old

FOCUS ON FOUR

Teachers.
Artists.
Physicians.
Social Workers.

#Fridgeworthy

Teachers.
Artists.
Physicians.
Social Workers.

What is the pre-K priority?

Are you looking for quality Pre‑K?

VISIT CHILDCARE RESOURCE CENTER

Why Pre-K?

Child
benefits

family
benefits

community
benefits

TAKE THE PRE‑K PLEDGE

Thanks for your support!

communications toolkit

Read the reports

Christmas for the City

Focus on Four

Read the report

Equity in Education

the future isfour years old

FOCUS ON FOUR

Teachers.Artists.Physicians.Social Workers.

#Fridgeworthy

Teachers.Artists.Physicians.Social Workers.

What is the pre-K priority?

Are you looking for quality Pre‑K?

VISIT CHILDCARE RESOURCE CENTER

Why Pre-K?

Childbenefits

familybenefits

communitybenefits

TAKE THE PRE‑K PLEDGE

Thanks for your support!

communications toolkit

Read the reports

Christmas for the City

Focus on Four

Read the report

the future is
four years old

Teachers.
Artists.
Physicians.
Social Workers.

Teachers.
Artists.
Physicians.
Social Workers.

Child
benefits

family
benefits

community
benefits