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According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's annual budget report, the state receives more than $1.10 billion in federal funding outside of funds from the child nutrition and COVID relief programs. (Michael Ireland/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Public education advocates believe without adequate funding, North Carolina's public schools will continue to face severe challenges, including teacher shortages, lack of support staff and deteriorating facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

NC voucher bill sparks debate over public school funding, equity

Advocates for public education are reacting to the North Carolina House passing legislation to funnel millions of state dollars into private school vo…

In the past two years, the price of school supplies has gone up about 24%, according to a Deloitte analysis. (Adobe Stock)

NC teachers spend big on classroom supplies amid low pay

Classroom supplies are taking a toll on teachers in North Carolina. A new survey showed despite earning around 5% less than they did a decade ago…

The Leandro Plan calls for at least $5.6 billion in new, annual education spending for North Carolina by 2028. (Adobe Stock)

As court decision looms, a push for better NC school funding

As summer winds down and North Carolina students prepare to return to school, the focus shifts to the urgent need for better public education funding…

The average annual cost of child care in North Carolina is $9,255 for an infant and $7,592 for a 4-year-old. (Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights NC Needs for More & Better Child Care

Families in North Carolina are in critical need of more and better child care options, according to the latest Kids Count Data Book, released today …

In 2021, the average price of center-based child care for an infant in the United States was more than $13,000. For all children younger than age 6, yearly child-care costs are around $10,600, an increase from 2020, according to Child Care Aware America. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Child-Care Crisis Hindering North Carolina's Economy

The state's unemployment rate for women with children younger than age 6 has reached nearly 4%, and according to a new report, around 400,000 parents …

Research increasingly points to early childhood, the period from birth through age seven, as the most critical time in a child's life. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Grants Focus on Easing Racial Disparities in Early Learning

RALEIGH, N.C. - In some North Carolina counties, high poverty levels mean kids and parents lack access to quality pre-K learning. Some groups are …

T�tulo gr�fico: Las investigaciones apuntan cada vez m�s a la primera infancia, el per�odo desde el nacimiento hasta los siete a�os, como el momento m�s cr�tico en la vida de un ni�o. (Adobe Stock)

Carolina del Norte enfoca subvenciones en disparidades en nivel preescolar

RALEIGH, NC - En algunos condados de Carolina del Norte, los altos niveles de pobreza significan que los niños y los padres no tienen acceso a …

According to the CDC, vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths, all of which could be avoided. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Missed Well Visits Put Kids at Risk for Communicable Diseases

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Parents should catch their kids up on missed doctor visits, and in some cases, vaccinations, to protect themselves and their …

North Carolina ranks 34th among states for children's well-being in the 2021 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, although the state improved on many individual measures in the report. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic-Relief Measures Can Help More NC Kids

RALEIGH, N.C. -- New survey data offer a clear picture of how North Carolina kids and families are faring, both before and after the pandemic…

A team of community-based organizations across North Carolina recently interviewed dozens of parents of young children for their views about the state's social-emotional health ecosystem. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: Resources Scarce for NC Parents of Young Kids

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A new survey of more than 200 North Carolina parents of young children finds a lot of concern - and at times, panic and even …

Fewer than 1 in 10 North Carolina families receive any type of subsidized childcare from their employer, according to the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Affordable Childcare Crisis Could Cost NC Billions

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Fewer than 1 in 3 parents of young children has access to quality, affordable childcare during the pandemic, according to a new …

Reading at grade level is a key indicator of future academic success. (Adobe Stock)

New Tool Aims to Help Educators Keep Kids Reading on Grade Level

SELMA, N.C. -- Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of North Carolina's eight-year-olds, especially those from low-income families…

Research shows that social-emotional health has a significant impact on children's academic success and well-being. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Highlights Need for Measuring Kids' Social-Emotional Health

RALEIGH, N.C. -- COVID-19 is affecting children's social and emotional health, but experts say there's a gap in data when it comes to understanding …

Socio-economic factors and family dynamics play a role in whether a child is well-prepared for kindergarten. (Adobe Stock)

NC Works to Improve How Teachers Assess Kids in Kindergarten

RALEIGH, N.C. -- This fall, North Carolina is expanding how teachers gauge children's development during their first few months of school. …

By age eight, a child's reading skills can predict future academic and career success. (Adobe Stock)

Candidates for NC School Superintendent Focus on Early-Childhood Education

RALEIGH, N.C. — Education leaders recently gathered in Raleigh to discuss how to help North Carolina's children reach grade-level reading by …

Nearly 3-in-4 school districts in North Carolina reported between 5% and 15% of their elementary-school students as chronically absent during the 2015-2016 school year. (Adobe Stock).

Report: Positive Messaging Helps Reduce Chronic Student Absence

RALEIGH, N.C. — A new survey of more than 1,500 preschool, Head Start, and elementary-school staff and parents finds North Carolina school …

North Carolina�s child population has increased by 42% since 1990, according to a new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Report: More than 60% of NC 4th Graders Not Proficient in Reading

RALEIGH, N.C. — More than 60% of the state's fourth-graders are not proficient in reading, according to a new report released today by the …

Baby Boomers are vacating jobs faster than younger workers can replace them, according to research from the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. (rawpixel.com/Pexels)

Summit Aims to Boost Family-Friendly NC Businesses

RALEIGH, N.C. — Family-friendly practices in the workplace are big business, and a best-selling author will have advice for creating a family-…

North Carolina has long been a leader in early-childhood education. It was the first to offer full-day kindergarten and created the nation's first comprehensive early-childhood initiative, Smart Start. (North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation)

NC Groups Release Diverse Framework to Improve Early Education

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Only 39 percent of North Carolina's third-graders are proficient in reading, according to the last National Report Card…

Numerous studies on early childhood education indicate it benefits children well into their school and adult lives. (Twenty20)

Youngest North Carolinians Impacted by High Speed Budget Bill

RALEIGH, N.C. – It's full speed ahead for the Republican-backed state budget released late Monday night. The procedure typically takes weeks …

Educators marching on Wednesday would like to see increased funding for programs such as early childhood education, which researchers have proven makes a difference in a child's likelihood of success. (Twenty20)

NC Teachers Prepare to March on Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. — At least 20 North Carolina school districts will be closed Wednesday to give teachers in those districts the chance to …

A report released today says North Carolina children could do better with increased access to education, healthcare and economy opportunities for their parents. (amoswright/flickr)

Not So Fast: NC Children of Color Face Obstacles to Success

RALEIGH, N.C. – The road to success has a few more bumps in it for children of color in North Carolina. That assessment is supported by a …

An estimated 25,000 children weren't counted in North Carolina in 2010, and 39 state groups want to make sure the 2020 Census is properly funding to prevent an undercount from happening again. (roberto volterra/flickr)

NC Children Count on Census Count, Advocates Say

RALEIGH, N.C. - Future funding for North Carolina's children largely depends on the 2020 census, so this week 39 organizations sent a letter to the …

A new partnership in the Triangle aims to encourage early-childhood reading and proficiency through a $700,000 investment. (ThomasLife/Flickr)

Grassroots Effort to Increase Reading Proficiency in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. – More than one million adults in North Carolina have difficulty with reading and writing and a new initiative announced this …

A majority of voters from both parties in North Carolina support a greater investment in early-childhood education. (preschoolprograms/flickr.com)

Poll Shows One Thing NC Voters Agree On

RALEIGH, N.C. – While there's no shortage of policy issues North Carolina voters disagree on, there's at least one issue supported by a …

North Carolina's Child Health Report Card says the state has work to do when it come to offering parents access to health care. (Yooperann/flickr.com)

Mixed Report: Health of NC's Children

RALEIGH, N.C. - The health of North Carolina's children has the potential to impact the state for generations to come and this year the state is …

The Family Resource Center at Emma leads groups, including Motheread, which teaches the importance of reading between a mother and child. Norma Duran Brown leads the class (right). Credit: Children First/Communities in Schools

N.C. Family Resource Centers Support Children, Families

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - As many people wait for the economic recovery to benefit them, communities across the state count on family resource centers to …

Research from UNC finds that African-American children have more success in early literacy classes when they're encouraged to share oral narratives in the classroom. Photo credit: Joni Miltenburg/Morguefile.

Once Upon a Time: UNC Research Finds Children Need to Share Their Story

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – According to new research from the University of North Carolina's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, teachers …

PHOTO: A new report compiles research about Americans who began receiving Medicaid coverage and benefits as children, and found multiple, long-term benefits in adulthood. Photo credit: Cheryl Holt/Morguefile.

Report: NC Kids with Medicaid Become Healthy, Productive Adults

RALEIGH, N.C. – More than one million North Carolina children benefit from Medicaid coverage, and as the nation's largest public health-…

Photo: A bill now sits on Gov. Pat McCrory's desk that critics say could impact undercover investigations at daycare and nursing home facilities, in addition to factory farms. Photo credit: anitapeppers/morguefile.com

North Carolina "Ag Gag" Bill Could Impact Daycare, Nursing Home Investigations

RALEIGH, N.C. – A bill (H405) commonly referred to as an ag gag bill now sits on Gov. Pat McCrory's desk, waiting on him to sign or veto the …

PHOTO: Fortune 200 companies say they are having trouble finding a qualified workforce in North Carolina at times. Photo credit: morguefile.com/phaewilk

Help Wanted: Businesses Call for Early Childhood Education Funding

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Businesses wishing to locate and hire in North Carolina are at times having trouble finding a qualified workforce. That's according …

Photo: Economic experts predict a significant budget crisis looming in North Carolina, with reduced revenue after tax cuts for the state's wealthiest citizens and profitable corporations. Photo credit: North Carolina State University.

Experts Predict Looming Budget Crisis in North Carolina Following Tax Cuts

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina lawmakers are likely enjoying some downtime after the legislative session and midterm election, but experts predict a …

Lifting NC Children Out of Poverty: A Two-Prong Approach

RALEIGH, N.C. - To lift children out of poverty, their parents also need a hand. A report released today underlines the importance of supporting …

GRAPHIC: A majority of North Carolina voters from both parties believe investment in early childhood education will boost the state's economy. Graphic courtesy: N.C. Early Childhood Foundation.

Poll: Majority of North Carolinans Believe Improving Economy Starts with "The Three Rs"

GARNER, N.C. - A whopping 83 percent of North Carolina voters from both political parties believe investing in early childhood learning programs will …

PHOTO: A new report compares how children are progressing on key milestones by state, across racial and ethnic groups. It says North Carolina has some work to do to improve opportunities for children of color. Photo courtesy Kids Count.

Report: Racial Divide Affects NC Children's Opportunity

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina ranks in the bottom half of states for preparing their children for success later in life, particularly children …

Photo: HKonJ March draws thousands every year. Courtesy: Southerners on New Ground

Thousands Expected at "Moral March" this Weekend

RALEIGH, N.C. – A record-setting crowd is expected this Saturday at the Moral March on Raleigh. Also known as the Historic Thousands on Jones …

Report: Majority of NC Fourth Graders Reading Below Grade Level

RALEIGH, N.C. – Imagine tackling fourth grade without proficiency in the most basic of skills – reading. That's what 65 percent of …

Photo: NC Early Childhood Foundation is working to build on early childhood education programs in the state. Courtesy: NC Early Childhood Foundation

Report: Third Grade Can Predict a Child's Success in School

RALEIGH, N.C. - Third grade is the make-or-break point when it comes to a child's success, according to a new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation…

Photo: Marquez who is taking tutoring classes at Reading Connections in Guilford County. Courtesy: Reading Connections

One in Five Adult North Carolinians Struggles to Read

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Being able to read a menu or fill out a job application are skills many of us take for granted, but it's a seemingly …

Photo: North Carolina Head Start programs have experienced cuts due to the sequester. Courtesy: North Carolina Head Start,

Sequester Cuts Continue to Impact North Carolinians

NEWPORT, N.C. - The sequester remains a black cloud looming over the agencies in North Carolina that serve people who need help the most. As a result …

Photo: Kelly Langston with son at a school event. Courtesy: Langston

NC School Budget Cuts: Parent Groups Could Be Left Holding the Bag

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Many North Carolina children are returning to school this week, but it's their parents and teachers who may be left with more …

PHOTO: Battle the summer couch potato syndrome by keeping kids involved in activities and reading to them. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

Help Your Kids Survive Summer Vacation

RALEIGH, N.C. - School is out for summer - or soon will be. Many parents are concerned: They don't want their school-age children to just become …

NC Educator: Proposed Increased Class Sizes Like "Herding Cattle"

NEW BERN, N.C. - North Carolina's public school children could return in August to very different classrooms if the state Senate budget is passed…

PHOTO: It�s Autism Awareness Month and one message being spread about the disorder is the importance of the inclusion of individuals with autism in the classroom, workplace and community. Photo courtesy of the Autism Society of Ohio.

Autism Awareness in North Carolina: Together Can be Better

RALEIGH, N.C. - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), North Carolina has a higher rate of children with autism than the …

Another Budget Hit for NC's Safety Net Programs?

RALEIGH, N.C. – Community action agencies in North Carolina are bracing for more cuts to what they say are already slim budgets. President …

NC Children Face Long Waits for Pre-K Education

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - As many North Carolina children enjoy their spring break, there are more than 10,000 of them in the state who were not able to …

Photo: Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County volunteers. Courtesy: Habitat for Humanity Forsyth County

"Fiscal Cliff" Threatens Tax Deductions for Nonprofit Donations

RALEIGH, N.C. - One unintended consequence of fixing the "fiscal cliff" could be a reduction in the tax incentives to make nonprofit donations…

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NC: Early Childhood Education