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.
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.
Establish and train a dynamic Parent Committee/Policy Council that gives fathers meaningful voice and decision-making power in program direction, policies, and community impact initiatives.
Enhanced Focus: Father-Child Wellness & Bonding Experience – Create meaningful connections through structured activities that promote emotional wellness, communication skills, and healthy relationship building between fathers and children in a supportive peer environment.
Enhanced Focus: Early Childhood Education Advocacy – Equip fathers with knowledge and tools to actively engage in Head Start programming and early childhood development initiatives. Strengthen father-child relationships through understanding developmental milestones and effective parenting strategies.
Focus – Bridge home and school connections by introducing MALE cohort members to the educational community. Foster meaningful relationships between fathers and educators while enjoying “Hotdogs and Burgers” in a welcoming atmosphere that encourages ongoing school involvement.
Enhanced Focus: Professional Development Workshop – Empower fathers with essential workforce readiness skills through interactive resume building, interview preparation, and career pathway guidance. Participants will leave with professionally formatted resumes and actionable strategies for career advancement.
Men in ECE: Transforming Early Childhood Education Through Diversity
Join Smart Start of Forsyth County and the M.A.L.E. Initiative on June 26, 2025, for an engaging Smart Table Talk on “Convening Men in Early Childhood Education.” Featured speaker Dr. Jawan Burwell from NC A&T State University will lead a discussion on encouraging gender equality, promoting positive masculinity, and breaking barriers in the teaching profession. This lunch-hour event (12:00-1:30 PM) at Goodwill Industries’ Self Reliance Hall will explore how increasing male representation in early childhood settings benefits children’s development and strengthens the profession. Registration required.
Creating and strengthening supportive networks that provide emotional support, practical assistance, and opportunities for mutual aid among families.
This program is to support parents of young children in Forsyth County by providing them with tools for success and a network for support. Parents and caregivers will gain confidence by building from their experiences to enhance the community. Free for families with children 0-5
