Together we can achieve a bold vision…

Each North Carolina child has a strong foundation for life-long health, education, and well-being, supported by a comprehensive and equitable care and education system, from prenatal through third grade.
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Pathways Action Map

The Pathways Action Map is a tool that can be used to drive action. Action that ensures every child in North Carolina is on the path to reading on grade level by the end of third grade.

Is Your Workplace Family Forward? Get Certified.

Employers across North Carolina want to attract and retain the best employees, and they want those employees to be happy and healthy. Our Family Forward NC Employer Certification designates employers that offer policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and children.

How We Do Our Work

We work to promote understanding, spearhead collaboration, and advance policies to ensure each North Carolina child is on track for lifelong success by the end of third grade. Much of this work happens through our initiatives:

 

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Supporting Children’s Optimal Development

Each child can have the opportunity to be on track by third grade with aligned policies and practices rooted in child development, including health and development on track beginning at birth, supported and supportive families and communities, and high-quality birth through third grade learning environments with regular attendance. Learn about the issues that support children’s optimal development beginning at birth.

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Latest News

Advancing Young Children’s Right to Early Education Across North Carolina

Although many are advocating at the federal level for fully-funded universal preschool for three- and four-year-olds, we don’t yet have federal funding to make that possible. With federal funding prospects uncertain, state-level opportunities for funding have emerged in the pursuit…

Join the Celebration of Smart Start Month!

The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation is thrilled to participate in the incredible work of the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC) and the Smart Start Network, as they kick off Smart Start Month this September. This month-long celebration is…
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