Building the Foundation for Every Child to Thrive
The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation brings partners together across the state to ensure every child has the strong start they deserve. We advance policies, strengthen systems, and build shared understanding so children—from prenatal through third grade—grow up healthy, supported, and ready to succeed.
Partnership in Action
We work alongside partners across North Carolina—from policymakers and researchers to business leaders, educators, and advocates—to bring ideas into action for our youngest children. Through our Policy Resources and Solutions Center, we share clear data, practical tools, and trusted research that help communities make informed decisions. And we lead initiatives and coalitions that strengthen the systems children and families rely on every day.
Policy Resources & Solutions
Connecting Policy to Impact
Explore data, toolkits, briefs, and reports that help communities support children, families, and early learning across North Carolina.
Initiatives and Coalitions
Initiatives We Lead
Family Forward NC®
Transform your workplace with family-friendly policies that strengthen employee well-being and business success.
First 2000 Days
Discover why the earliest years of brain development matter — and how communities can shape stronger outcomes from the start.
Local Financing for Early Learning
Advance local investments in early childhood with tools and strategies designed for North Carolina communities.
NC Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Join a statewide network working to ensure more children read proficiently by third grade.
Pathways to Grade-Level Reading
Access data-driven tools and connect with partners to advance equitable strategies that help every child read on grade-level.
Readers Are Built
Learn how early experiences build strong readers before children enter school.
Coalitions We Power
Care and Learning Coalition
Come together to create a child care system that is affordable, sustainable, and fair for families and educators statewide.
EarlyWell Coalition
Collaborate with partners to improve infant and early childhood mental health.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up to receive regular updates from our team on opportunities to support the well-being of North Carolina’s children.