News
Childcare Costs Too High in North Carolina: Help is Coming
Childcare in North Carolina costs too much. The average family pays $11,720 each year for childcare. That’s more than college tuition! Families with two kids
Help Shape the Future of Forsyth County’s Youth
 Help Shape the Future of Forsyth County’s Youth Smart Start of Forsyth County is searching for a strategic planning partner to guide our organization’s
Childcare Feedback Session
Childcare providers – your expertise and feedback are needed! Join Smart Start of Forsyth County for an important discussion on current challenges, evolving family needs,
Inclement Weather – Early Educators Conference Rescheduling Notice
 The Early Educators Conference 2025: “Let Your Garden Grow” has been rescheduled to March 1, 2025. The event will still be held at Atkins
Pre-K Model Cohort Classroom Pilot in Forsyth County Great Success
The Pre-K Model Cohort Classroom Pilot in Forsyth County is a shining example of how collaborative efforts in early childhood education can drive impactful change. Through the
Males Achieving Long-Term Excellence (MALE) Program Celebrates Success at Smart Start of Forsyth County
Males Achieving Long-Term Excellence (MALE) Program Celebrates Success at Smart Start of Forsyth County FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Males Achieving Long-Term Excellence (MALE) Program Celebrates Success
Smart Start of Forsyth County Launches S.T.A.R. Family Resource Center to Support Marginalized FamiliesÂ
Winston-Salem, NC – August 22, 2024 – Smart Start of Forsyth County (S.S.F.C.), a dedicated partner in the Smart Start network, is proud to announce
Smart Start of Forsyth County Offers Ten One-Thousand Dollar Scholarships for Pre-K
Smart Start of Forsyth County Announces $10,000 in Preschool Scholarships for Local Families Forsyth County, July 26, 2024 — Smart Start of Forsyth County is
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Expands in North Carolina with New Bilingual Book Collection
June 13, 2024 – Forsyth County Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Expands in North Carolina with New Bilingual Book Collection  Forsyth Families Can Sign-up with
This family childcare provider is working to ensure ‘an invisible workforce’ is seen — and preserved
Shalicia Jackson, also known as Shay, has done almost everything there is to do in early childhood education.
Jackson has been an assistant child care teacher, a lead teacher, a Head Start coordinator, a family advocate, and a social worker in public schools. She has worked in nonprofits and at the Durham Partnership for Children, training teachers to better support young children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in social work.
But when Jackson opened Modern Early Learning Academy in 2022, a five-star family child care home in Winston-Salem, she entered a brand new world.
Influencing Policies
Pathway to Improved Outcomes of Children and Families
