February 17, 2026

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!

March 3, 2026

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...

March 10, 2026

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!

March 14, 2026

Fruits of Your Labor: Early Educators Conference 2026

Early Educators Conference 2026 FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR: Celebrating Early Education, Growth, and Teacher Impact Location: Forsyth Tech Robert L. Strickland Center 1615 Miller St, Winston-Salem, 27103   Date & time: Mar 14, 2026 at 8:00am–Mar 14, 2026 at 3:00pm EST ET RSVP TODAY! Presented by Smart Start of Forsyth County, this conference provides tools,...

March 17, 2026

F.E.L. – Essential Advocacy Tools

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

March 17, 2026

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...

March 24, 2026

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...

March 30, 2026

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.

March 31, 2026

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!

April 14, 2026

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!

April 21, 2026

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!

April 28, 2026

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!

May 5, 2026

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!

May 12, 2026

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!

May 19, 2026

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.

May 26, 2026

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...

June 2, 2026

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!

June 9, 2026

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...

June 16, 2026

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...

June 23, 2026

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....

June 30, 2026

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...

July 21, 2026

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.

August 25, 2026

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.

September 22, 2026

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

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

December 8, 2026

F.E.L. – Supporting Family Engagement Events

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