A Commitment to equity

A high-quality Pre-K system is based on the principle of equity. A fair and inclusive educational system ensures that all students have what they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Read our report on equity

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
‍

Teachers.
Artists.
Physicians.
Social Workers.

#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.

Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram.

Teachers.
Artists.
Physicians.
Social Workers.

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.

Are you looking for quality Pre‑K?

Request a child care specialist to help in your search for a Pre‑K arrangement that best fits your child and family’s needs. Visit childcareresourcecenter.org or call (336) 245-4900.

VISIT CHILDCARE RESOURCE CENTER

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

All children have the right to equitable learning opportunities that help them achieve their full potential in school, work, and life.

Investing in high-quality Pre‑K is a means of advancing social and racial equity in our educational system and enhancing the well-being and success of our increasingly diverse community.

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:

1

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

2

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

3

I support state and local governments making Pre‑K a priority in their annual budgets.

4

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.

TAKE THE PRE‑K PLEDGE

(if applicable)

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.

Share the pledge with others on social media:

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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

Christmas for the City

Look for The Pre-K Priority pop-up in the North Pole Village at this citywide, free Christmas party. Join us at Benton Convention Center on Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 4–9 PM.

VISIT WEBSITE

Currently, Forsyth County local government invests

$0

in Pre-K Education.

see another stat

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

33%

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

see another stat

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.

see another stat

In Forsyth County, approximately

2,700

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

see another stat

Studies show as many as

90%

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

see another stat

Focus on Four

Kelley Bendheim, WS/FC Schools Director of the Office of Early Learning and Executive Director of Project Impact, shares her thoughts about the importance of quality Pre‑K instruction.

Read the report

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

Download summary
Download Findings and Recommendations
Download Full Report

Convened by Family Services and supported by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust

© 2019 Family Services
1200 South Broad Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336.722.8173
Fax: 336.724.6491

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PreKPriority@familyservicesforsyth.org