Governor Josh Stein joined educators, students, and leaders from Forsyth Technical Community College and Guilford Technical Community College on April 14 to discuss efforts to train North Carolina’s child care workforce.
The focus on child care comes as families across the state face challenges finding affordable, reliable options. Strengthening the early childhood education workforce is seen as a way to support working parents and improve access for children.
“Child care continues to be a source of anxiety for too many families across North Carolina, from finding a spot for your child to figuring out how to pay for it in your monthly budget,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through programs like Building Bright Futures and Child Care Academies, we’re investing in our children’s future, lowering costs for families, and strengthening our workforce.”
Michael Leighs, Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), said: “North Carolina is tackling the child care and early education workforce crisis head on, with innovative solutions like Child Care Academies and the Building Bright Futures Apprenticeship Program. Supporting this critical workforce is vital in ensuring children have access to safe and nurturing care.”
Guilford Technical Community College President Anthony Clarke said: “We are grateful to the N.C. Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) for awarding a grant to GTCC that enables the college to offer child care academies and help address the statewide shortage of early childhood professionals. We also appreciate Gov. Josh Stein’s leadership… We’re already seeing results with graduates from our first cohort employed at early child care centers… GTCC is committed to continuing these child care academies beyond the grant period.”
Forsyth Tech President Janet N. Spriggs added: “Child care is essential for our communities to grow and thrive… Forsyth Tech’s Child Care Academy helps prepare early childhood professionals… We are proud to be part of an effort that builds a stronger future for our children, our families, and our economy…”
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves as chief executive over state laws while leading policy initiatives such as these programs according to its official website. The governor also directs budgets impacting education spending according to its official website.
Stein has called attention in his Critical Needs Budget proposal for $80 million annually aimed at stabilizing childcare programs after more than 260 closed since passage of the last state budget two-and-a-half years ago due partly to low subsidy rates. He recently announced federal funding exceeding $75 million would support recovery efforts following natural disasters affecting facilities.
Earlier this year, a Task Force released recommendations intended make childcare more accessible statewide by 2025.
