Birth – 3rd Grade Interagency Council Holds First Meeting

The newly formed Birth through 3rd Grade Interagency Council had its first meeting on January 31st. The meeting focused on laying the foundation for the Council’s work. The agenda included overviews of:

  • Early brain development by Dr. Kelly Sullivan, Director of Mental Health Services, Duke Center for Child and Family Health. Dr. Sullivan also discussed trauma and the developing brain.
  • North Carolina’s birth-through-eight system, including by Dr. Kelly Maxwell, Co-Director of Early Childhood Research, Child Trends. Dr. Maxwell addressed: Why is the B-3rd grade period important? What supports children’s success? What are the seven early education components in the B-3 Council legislation?
  • The strengths and challenges of the seven focus areas in the legislation within the education system. Susan Perry-Manning spoke to the birth-through-age-five system and Dr. Pam Shue addressed the K-3 system.

The minutes from the meeting will be posted once approved.