State Leaders Unveil Plans to Bolster Child Care and Early Education in North Carolina
In a bid to make child care more accessible and affordable, North Carolina leaders announced pivotal recommendations that aim to reshape the child care landscape across the state. The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt and Senator Jim Burgin, unveiled their comprehensive year-end report for 2025, outlining a strategic framework designed to bridge gaps in child care accessibility.
Explore the Task Force’s 2025 Year-End Report in full here.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the pressing need for immediate action, stating, “Too many families in our state can’t afford to work because child care is expensive and in short supply.” He expressed a commitment to collaborate with governmental and private sectors to advance the task force’s recommendations. “It gets parents the freedom to work, kids the safe start they need, and employers the workforce necessary to keep North Carolina’s economy thriving,” Governor Stein elaborated.
Addressing the economic burdens faced by families, Lieutenant Governor Hunt pointed out, “Right now, everything feels more expensive for families, and child care is one of the biggest costs they’re trying to manage.” She emphasized the task force’s dedication to promoting affordability and access in all 100 counties throughout the coming year.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley and Senator Jim Burgin also advocated for greater investment in child care. Lilley noted the importance of child care in maintaining a competitive and ready workforce, while Burgin reaffirmed the task force’s continuous efforts into 2026 to advance educational opportunities and access for young families.
The task force was established by Governor Stein via Executive Order No. 10 in March 2025. Over the year, numerous experts contributed insights on various facets of child care, including finance, workforce compensation, and the needs of specific communities. The task force also examined successful local strategies in expanding child care access statewide.
Key Recommendations and Areas of Focus
The task force’s 2025 year-end report offers updated recommendations and outlines actionable opportunities aimed at enhancing child care services. The six focal recommendations include:
- Establishing a statewide child care subsidy reimbursement rate floor
- Creating non-salary benefits for child care professionals
- Partnering with educational institutions to increase child care access for public employees and students
- Providing subsidized or free child care for child care teachers
- Linking existing workforce compensation and support programs for early childhood professionals
- Considering the creation of a child care endowment
The task force’s work groups will continue to fine-tune these recommendations and develop implementation plans throughout the upcoming year. Future meetings will address the cost and availability issues of child care and early education in North Carolina, leveraging existing funding sources, successful private-sector initiatives, and programs like the North Carolina Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program to further their goals.
A Collaborative Effort
With a diverse group of leaders across sectors, the task force is poised to influence meaningful change. Members include:
- Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, Co-Chair
- Senator Jim Burgin, Co-Chair
- Other prominent figures from government, educational institutions, and child-focused organizations
The public is welcome to participate in the task force’s ongoing discussions. Meetings are accessible via the North Carolina Department of Commerce YouTube channel. For further details, visit the task force’s official page or read Governor Stein’s Executive Order No. 10.
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