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Families in Forsyth County have until July 31 to apply for Pre-K through the NC Pre-K program. This is the second of three application windows for spaces at one of Forsyth County’s 44 NC Pre-K classrooms for qualifying families. To learn more about the NC Pre-K program and the online application process for Forsyth County, visit the Smart Start of Forsyth County website under Programs.
Smart Start of Forsyth County (SSFC) is the administrator for the North Carolina Pre-K Program in Forsyth County. SSFC administers funding for quality early childhood education for eligible families with children who are turning four years old by August 31st, in Family Services of Forsyth County Head Start Program, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS), and private childcare programs throughout the county. Pre-K provides high-quality early childhood education for eligible families to support their child’s readiness for kindergarten.
“Quality early education changes the trajectory of a child’s life,” said Saquana Terry, Director of Children and Families at Smart Start of Forsyth County, who leads the Pre-K Program. “We encourage every family to learn more about Pre-K programs in our community and see if they qualify. Our Smart Start team is here to help.”
NC Pre-K slots for the upcoming 2026-27 school year are located in a variety of settings, including classrooms in WS/FCS elementary schools, private childcare centers, and Head Start centers. Classroom locations are included on the application for families to select their top choices. A final application window opens September 8th and will remain open for the school year. Families who apply during this phase are automatically placed on the waitlist.
Families who have questions or need support should contact the Smart Start of Forsyth County via email at ncprek@smartstart-fc.org or visit www.smartstart-fc.org.
Four common questions asked by families considering Pre-K programs in Forsyth County are:
Is my family eligible for the Pre-K program?
The information you submit with your application is compared to eligibility criteria that is required by NC Pre-K, Head Start and Title I Program, including income, family size, demonstrated educational need and other risk factors. This is not a first come, first served program.
Can I select the NC Pre-K program classroom location of my choice?
Families can list their location preferences as part of the application process. The goal is to place every eligible child in the location of their family’s choice; however, parents may select a second and third choice.
What is the Pre-K schedule?
The NC Pre-K program operates according to the WSFC Schools calendar year. The Pre-K application includes information on each location’s arrival & dismissal times; however, the availability of before/after care is determined by site.
Is transportation provided?
No -- families are responsible for providing transportation for their child.
Families can learn more about additional Pre-K options in Forsyth County on The Pre-K Priority website, www.prekpriority.org/register. The Pre-K Priority is a community coalition working to improve the quality, accessibility, and number of Pre-K classrooms in Forsyth County.
