Stokes Partnership for Children

05/29/2026

Stokes Partnership for Children was honored to help host the Stokes County Child Care Crisis Economic Development Summit on May 18 in partnership with ExCEL NC, NC Child, Forsyth Tech, Northwestern Regional Library, Stokes County Economic Development, Stokes United, the Rotary Club of King, and the King Chamber of Commerce. We appreciate the Stokes County Arts Council for allowing us to host the event at The Arts Place in Danbury. The event brought together an impressive group of business leaders, elected officials, child care providers, educators, and community members to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing our workforce and economy. Attendees heard expert presentations on the impact of the child care crisis and participated in a thoughtful panel discussion featuring Justin Duncan, Chair, Stokes County Schools Board of Education, Pastor Mt. Calvary Baptist Church; Myranda Calloway, School Director of KinderCare Learning Center, King, NC; Staci Watkins, Early Childhood Instructor, Teacher Education, Forsyth Tech Community College; Dr. Brad Rice, Superintendent, Stokes County Schools; Jamie Clark, Human Resources Director, Stokes County; and Kim McClure, VP of Youth Development Experience, YMCA of NWNC; with remarks from Representative Kyle Hall. Together, they shared valuable perspectives on how child care challenges affect local businesses, families, and economic growth. We were encouraged by the strong turnout and meaningful conversations that took place, and we look forward to continuing this important work with our community partners. Together, we can create a stronger future for children, families, employers, and the economy of Stokes County.

05/26/2026

Congratulations to Sarah McKnight! 🎉👏

We are incredibly proud to celebrate former and current WISEE student, Sarah McKnight! On May 21st, Sarah was presented with a certificate and a check for $1,024.50 as an incentive to continue her journey toward becoming an early childhood teacher.

Sarah is currently balancing life as a dedicated stay-at-home mom and a student at Forsyth Technical Community College, with big plans to continue pursuing her career in early childhood education.

Here is what Sarah had to say about her experience in this session of the WISEE program:

"My involvement with WISEE has had a meaningful impact on my life. The most beneficial aspect has been gaining a deeper understanding of how early childhood support systems truly affect families and communities. Through this experience, I've been able to learn the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and resource sharing in helping children thrive. WISEE has helped me grow more confident and more intentional on how to support children and their families."

The WISEE program provides financial incentives, enhanced educational opportunities and support for students with a goal to increase the workforce of higher-educated early childhood professionals. For more information, contact Jessicca Smith at [email protected] or by calling 336-985-2657 Ext. 145.

Please join us in celebrating Sarah’s hard work, dedication, and inspiring future in early education! 🌟📚✨

05/23/2026

Governor Stein Celebrates Child Care Providers, Urges General Assembly to Invest in North Carolina's Future

https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/05/20/governor-stein-celebrates-child-care-providers-urges-general-assembly-invest-north-carolinas-future?fbclid=IwY2xjawR-nmBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVQXZwcmJVckRlYlpyZjB3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhoIi7UMno4ZlIaRHk5HpcbDG8XvPHsqtDE3ce2u6HXMCnHKY32XIK08i8YL_aem_7T3PMxi-V_y6zIF61Gm1Ig

Today Governor Josh Stein celebrated North Carolina’s child care providers and presented a proclamation honoring Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. “Child…

05/22/2026

"You Rock"! On May 21, 2026, Stokes Partnership for Children celebrated all of our early childhood professionals with a rock and roll themed banquet. Rhodus Riggins Jr. gave a wonderful presentation that uplifted and motivated all in attendance. Catering was provided by Dennis Ruff.

Thanks to all the early childhood professionals for all you do!

05/12/2026

Teacher Appreciation doesn't have to end! 🧡 We’re ready to reward our amazing educators for everything they do.

🚨 DEADLINE ALERT: Make sure your EQPD application is submitted by Friday, May 22nd at 5:00 PM. Check it off your to-do list today! ✅ 🍎

04/29/2026

Are you a Stokes early childhood teacher that took classes during the fall or this spring? You can be rewarded through successful completions of courses and/or milestones!

04/22/2026

We're in the news!

WALNUT COVE — Beautiful weather met with a ton of hard work on Saturday down in Walnut Cove at the elementary school for the Little Folks Festival. The event, which

04/21/2026

We are so grateful for the success of the 23rd Annual Little Folks Festival! What a joyful day filled with smiles, laughter, learning, and family fun. It was wonderful to see so many children and families come together to celebrate community and school readiness.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, hosted booths, donated, and helped make the day so special. Events like this happen because of people who care deeply about children and families in Stokes County.

We especially want to thank our valued partners and sponsors for their generous support and collaboration, including Forsyth Technical Community College (partner and sponsor), Vaya Health (sponsor), Stokes Family YMCA, Stokes County Schools, Stokes County Health Department, The Children's Center of Northwest NC, YMCA Camp Hanes, and the Knights of Columbus Good Shepherd Council (hotdogs and hamburgers), South Stokes Church of Christ (chips), Food Lion (fruit) and Sheetz (water).

We would also like to thank the King and Walnut Cove Lions Club for providing the free vision screenings by working with Lions KidSight USA.

Thank you for helping us invest in the future of our youngest learners. We are already looking forward to next year! ❤️