Although the ARPA‑funded Pre‑K Model Cohort Classroom initiative has concluded, its impact continues. The increased quality, tools, equity frameworks, partnerships, and lessons learned are already informing broader early childhood education efforts across Forsyth County. The success of this initiative demonstrates that strategic public investment in Pre‑K works — for children, educators, families, and the entire community.

ARPA grant funds for the Pre-K Model Cohort Classrooms were administered by Smart Start of Forsyth County and 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.

Support for Classrooms

ARPA funding will support teachers, families, and children in the 30 model cohort classrooms by providing:

• Coaching support and resources
• Retention bonuses for teachers
• Salary equity for teachers
• Tuition support/scholarship opportunities and stipends
• Family engagement through advocates and specialists
• Professional development
• Translation services
• Equity focus within the Pre-K system
• Integrated data system

The ARPA investment raised the quality of our current Pre-K classrooms. What high-quality looks like and how it happens is critical and is what our children deserve. We leave a stronger early childhood education ecosystem with this investment, not only in the teachers we’ve poured into and who will carry that forward in future years, but also in a stronger collaborative community effort through all of the agencies involved.

Through this initiative we have proven that investment in high-quality Pre-K, through investing in our teachers and families, ensures better health and better outcomes for children and closes the gap for those children starting behind. The Power of Pre-K shows we can close gaps early and ensure kindergarten readiness and access for every 4-year-old to high-quality early learning experiences.