WS Chronicle

By Derwin Montgomery

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

For months, families across Forsyth County waited for a call that could mean the difference between keeping a job or staying home with their children. Now, county officials say help is available.

The Forsyth County Department of Social Services has cleared its child care assistance waitlist, which was launched in September 2024 amid high demand and limited funding. As of January 2026, the county reports the list has been eliminated and the program has capacity to serve more eligible children.

The update marks a significant shift for working parents, student-parents and families navigating crises who rely on affordable child care to remain stable.

“This opens the door for more families to access quality child care services,” county officials said in a public update.

Who qualifies for the program

Forsyth County’s child care subsidy program is designed to support families who meet income and eligibility requirements and fall into specific categories. The program serves families who:

• Are employed
• Are enrolled in school or job training
• Are experiencing a crisis
• Have children with developmental delays

The subsidy helps cover the cost of child care at approved providers, allowing parents and guardians to work, pursue education or address urgent family needs.

For many families in Winston-Salem — particularly in neighborhoods where access to affordable early childhood care has historically been limited — the subsidy can be the deciding factor in economic stability. Without assistance, full-time infant care can cost as much as rent or a mortgage payment.

Why this matters now

Child care access remains one of the most pressing workforce and economic issues in Forsyth County. Employers across the region have cited child care availability as a barrier to hiring and retaining workers. At the same time, families in historically under-resourced areas often face transportation challenges and limited nearby provider options.

Clearing the waitlist signals that the county has stabilized funding or enrollment capacity enough to reopen broader access. It also means families who may have delayed applying due to the backlog can now seek assistance without facing months of uncertainty.

The subsidy program operates as a public benefit funded through a mix of state and federal dollars and administered locally by the Department of Social Services. Because funding levels can fluctuate year to year, availability is not guaranteed long term — making timely application important for eligible families.

How to apply

Forsyth County residents can apply for the child care subsidy in several ways:

• In person: Visit the Forsyth County Department of Social Services at 741 N. Highland Ave., Winston-Salem
• By phone: Call 336-703-3800
• By email: Send inquiries to fcchildcare@forsyth.cc

County staff can explain income guidelines, required documentation and next steps in the approval process.

Applications are reviewed to determine eligibility based on household income, employment or school status and family circumstances. Families may be required to provide proof of income, school enrollment or documentation related to a crisis situation.

What happens next

With the waitlist cleared, officials say they will continue monitoring enrollment and funding levels to ensure the program remains sustainable. If demand increases beyond capacity again, the county could reinstate a waitlist.

For now, families who have been waiting — or who previously assumed assistance was unavailable — are encouraged to apply.

In a community where child care access can shape everything from household income to early childhood development, the reopening of this pathway represents more than administrative progress. For many Forsyth County families, it is a chance to move forward with stability and support.