Events

NC Pre-K Q & A

    Join us for the 2026-2027 NC Pre-K Q&A session, where you’ll gain valuable insight into the enrollment process for the upcoming school year. During this interactive session, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps for enrollment, and highlight the essential documents required for a smooth application process.   RSVP TODAY!

Dental

Poor Oral Health can have a detrimental effect on children’s quality of life, their performance at school, and their success later in life. Help Toddlers learn healthy habits for life with the recommendations and general guidelines through this interactive training.   Register here!

M.A.L.E.

Enhanced Focus: Educational Partnership & Child Development Advocacy - Partner with Winston-Salem State University to deepen fathers' understanding of early childhood education's critical importance. Provide tools and resources to become effective advocates for quality childcare and educational opportunities.

Autism in Early Childhood

In this training, participants will increase their knowledge of the early signs and detection of autism in young children, be able to name supportive ways to share concerns with caregivers, identify resources that support and can assist young children with autism in the ECE setting, and explore developmentally appropriate activities and inclusion practices for young...

F.E.L. – The Parent’s Role

Empowering parents to become effective advocates for their children's needs in educational, healthcare, and community settings.

Playground Safety

This training addresses playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment.   Register Here!

Stay Healthy, Stay Clean

Participants will receive handwashing, diapering, toileting, and sanitation procedures as they are performed multiple times daily. While an early educator may believe they already know how to wash hands properly, diaper children, assist with toileting, and clean, this training can help improve or refine their behavior to keep themselves and children healthy. Reviewing proper techniques...

ITS SIDS

Adults providing care for infants, 12 months or younger, are required to be trained in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Risk Reduction Practices. The Infant/Toddler Safe Sleep and SIDS Risk Reduction in Child Care (ITS-SIDS) is an approved training that provides an understanding of how to implement safe sleep practices.   Register Here!

Self-Care

Self-care is all about caring for your health and ensuring you have everything you need to thrive as a teacher. Without caring for yourself, you won’t have the energy to help your students. Because teaching is such an intensive job, educators can greatly benefit from learning about and practicing self-care at work and at home...

F.E.L. – Essential Advocacy Tools

Learning specific communication techniques, documentation strategies, and resource navigation skills to effectively advocate for children and families.

Nutrition

Nutrition can be tied into all aspects of the curriculum. Active, hands-on lessons promote healthy habits and improve attention spans, engage children in learning, and increase understanding of key concepts. In this training, we will discuss strategies to minimize struggles with trying new foods and offer suggestions for fun and engaging activities that promote healthy...

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) rules are designed to assist licensed childcare programs in adequately responding to the needs of children and others during disasters and emergencies. The EPR Plan addresses how a childcare center or a family childcare home will respond to natural and man-made disasters to ensure the safety and protection of the...

M.A.L.E. – Casual Connection & Peer Support

Foster authentic relationships and peer mentorship in a relaxed setting where fathers and children can enjoy quality time while building lasting friendships and support networks within the MALE community.

Accessible and Inclusive Environments

Participants will learn about making the child care environment more inclusive for individuals with access, functional, and special health care needs, focusing on infants and toddlers and those who care for them.   Register Here!

ECERS 3

Learn what assessors are looking for in the classroom environment as well as the teacher-child interactions that impact infant and toddlers’ developmental milestones. Also, discuss practices that will help increase your scores.   Register Here!

Trauma Resilience

During the training, we will discuss the Trauma Resilience Model and the seven commitments, ACES, the science of Trauma, Organizational Chronic Stress, and Professional Quality of Life.   Register Here!

Community Connection Carnival

ITERS 3

Learn what assessors are looking for in the classroom environment as well as the teacher-child interactions that impact infant and toddlers’ developmental milestones. Also, discuss practices that will help increase your scores.   Register Here!

Toddler CLASS Overview

During this training, you will be introduced to the indicators a CLASS assessor will evaluate. The trainer will clarify the criteria assessed for each indicator.   Register Here!

Pre-K CLASS Overview

During this training, you will be introduced to the indicators a CLASS assessor will evaluate. The trainer will clarify the criteria assessed for each indicator.   Register Here!

First Aid/CPR

Smart Start of Forsyth County is a proud provider of First Aid, CPR, and AED Training. Be sure to register early; spaces are limited. To receive the certificate, participants must attend the entire training session.   To register, purchase tickets here.

ITS SIDS

Adults providing care for infants, 12 months or younger, are required to be trained in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Risk Reduction Practices. The Infant/Toddler Safe Sleep and SIDS Risk Reduction in Child Care (ITS-SIDS) is an approved training that provides an understanding of how to implement safe sleep practices.   To register, purchase tickets...

Infant CLASS Overview

During this training, you will be introduced to the indicators a CLASS assessor will evaluate. The trainer will clarify the criteria assessed for each indicator.   Register Here!

Stay Healthy, Stay Clean

Participants will receive handwashing, diapering, toileting, and sanitation procedures as they are performed multiple times daily. While an early educator may believe they already know how to wash hands properly, diaper children, assist with toileting, and clean, this training can help improve or refine their behavior to keep themselves and children healthy. Reviewing proper techniques...

We’re Moving We’re Learning

Infusing classrooms with physical activity—or at least the option of some movement, at student discretion—isn’t just good for kids’ bodies, it’s also a powerful tool for improving learning and focus and reducing classroom management issues. Physical activity that amplifies learning can have a powerful effect on retention and engagement—it’s also fun. Learn ways to integrate...

Observations and Assessments

This training highlights the essential role of observation and assessment in supporting early childhood development. It outlines key objectives such as understanding different observation methods, documenting and analyzing findings, and applying assessment data to guide instruction. The presentation covers formative and summative assessments, emphasizes ethical considerations like confidentiality and cultural sensitivity, and encourages reflective documentation....

How to Deal with Child Traumatic Stress

Early childhood trauma refers to traumatic events occurring between birth and age six. Since young children may not verbalize their experiences and react differently from older children, people often assume they’re unaffected. However, research shows young children can be deeply impacted by threats to their safety or that of caregivers. Symptoms are well documented, and...

F.E.L. – Influencing Policies that Matter

Understanding how policies affect families and learning strategies to participate in policy discussions and advocacy efforts at local and state levels.

F.E.L. – Strengthening Pathways to Success

Reinforcing the connection between family engagement practices and improved outcomes for children's academic, social, and emotional development.

F.E.L. – Daily Actions that Build Protective Factors

Implementing everyday practices and routines that strengthen family resilience and create positive outcomes for children.

F.E.L. – Supporting Family Engagement Events

Planning, implementing, and evaluating family-centered events and activities that strengthen community connections and celebrate family strengths