The Pre-K Priority

The Pre-K Priority was formed in 2014 by a group of early childhood professionals to explore how to improve the quality and number of early childhood programs available in Forsyth County. Since then, we’ve grown to include an ever-expanding number of participants who share a commitment to making high-quality, affordable Pre‑K available to every four-year-old. We work to educate and advocate for affordable, high-quality Pre‑K programs and establish standards for a comprehensive system. We provide research on the current state of Pre‑K in Forsyth County as it relates to the state and national level, and the reasons why more investment is needed. In April 2019, we released a report and recommendations for high-quality Pre‑K expansion, including quality standards, projected costs and a timeline for rollout. The Pre‑K Priority invites community support and input and seeks the commitment of public officials, business leaders, and neighborhood champions to bring about successful Pre‑K expansion. The Pre‑K Priority is building a grassroots movement to support high-quality Pre‑K expansion. We’re also working directly with community leaders to turn them into champions. The good news is, we don’t have to start from scratch. There are many Forsyth County leaders and residents who already understand the importance of investing in high-quality Pre‑K. We are building on the solid standards and best practices of current programs funded by the North Carolina Pre‑K Program (NC Pre‑K) provided in classrooms in Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools, at Family Services Head Start program, and in private community childcare centers. We’re taking what’s promising and making it better. We’re encouraging those who “get it” to join us and in turn encourage others.