Smart Start of Forsyth County Training Expectations

We encourage all participants to make an effort to adhere to the training expectations outlined below:


  • Each Participant must pre-register for each training to attend.
  • Admittance will not be allowed after the first 10 minutes of class.
  • Kindness and respect for one another and the presenter are expected.
  • Only participants who have pre-registered for trainings will be issued a Training Certificate of Completion.
  • All participants must log into Zoom with their cameras turned on (members of groups on one device must be visible) to receive credit for attendance.
  • Cameras must remain on during the training, if you must step away, please post in chat to inform the presenter.
  • Please type your name, position/title, and name of childcare facility in the chat box (this will also be utilized as a sign in at the beginning and end of each training).
  • Participants’ interaction and participation with the presenter will be greatly appreciated.
  • Complete the required pre-survey (with demographic info).*
  • Each training participant must complete the training evaluation with the post-questionnaire (this will help SSFC determine the effectiveness of the training and inform decisions for future trainings).*

Policy Availability Statement:

Smart Start of Forsyth County is committed to transparency and quality in our continuing education programs.  All instructors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence their training content or delivery.  Our complete Instructor Disclosure Policy is available here and may be requested in alternative formats by contacting our office at 336-714-4351 or [email protected].

Upcoming Trainings:

M.A.L.E. Parent Training
February 10, 2026

M.A.L.E.

Winston-Salem State University, South Martin Luther King Junior Drive, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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.

Educators Professional Development
February 10, 2026

Autism in Early Childhood

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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...

Family Engagement Leadership
Family Engagement Leadership Parent Training
February 10, 2026

F.E.L. – The Parent’s Role

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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

Community Outreach Educators
February 14, 2026

NC Pre-K Q & A

Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness, 30th Street, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

  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!

Educators Professional Development
February 17, 2026

Playground Safety

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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!

Educators Professional Development
March 3, 2026

Stay Healthy, Stay Clean

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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...

Educators Training Workshops
March 10, 2026

ITS SIDS

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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!

Professional Development Training Workshops
March 14, 2026

Fruits of Your Labor: Early Educators Conference 2026

Forsyth Tech Robert L. Strickland Center, Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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,...

Educators Professional Development
March 17, 2026

Self-Care

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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...

Family Engagement Leadership
Family Engagement Leadership Parent Training
March 17, 2026

F.E.L. – Essential Advocacy Tools

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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

Educators Professional Development
March 17, 2026

Nutrition

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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...

Educators Professional Development
March 24, 2026

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc., North Point Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

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...