Investing in early childhood education is more than just a good idea—it’s essential for our future. Research shows that high-quality preschool programs greatly benefit parents and children. For parents, reliable pre-kindergarten systems make it easier to work full-time. These programs boost school readiness and set children up for long-term success. The positive effects of early education go far beyond the classroom, leading to a stronger workforce and a healthier economy.
One solution is universal preschool that is publicly funded and offered to all workers in the area. One of the biggest benefits of universal preschool is how it helps parents, especially mothers, enter and stay in the workforce. Washington, D.C., is an excellent example of this. The city started offering two years of free, full-day preschool in 2009, leading to a big increase in the number of mothers working. From 2008 to 2016, the participation rate for working mothers jumped by 15 percentage points for those living below the poverty line and 13 points for those in higher income brackets. Washington, D.C., now has the highest rate of working mothers in the country, showing that access to early education is a game-changer for families.
High-quality preschool programs do more than prepare kids for kindergarten—they set the stage for a lifetime of success. Children attending preschool are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and positively contribute to society. For communities, this means a stronger workforce and a more productive economy. These programs help ensure that all children, no matter their background, have the tools to succeed in school and life.
Current Problem: Limited Access to Public Preschool
Despite the benefits, many families in North Carolina struggle to access public preschool. The NC Pre-K program offers free early learning to low-income families. Middle-income families often find themselves unable to afford private preschool, which costs an average of $8,610 per year. Even families who qualify for NC Pre-K can’t always find a spot for their child—only 35 out of 100 counties in North Carolina meet the state’s goal of enrolling 75% of eligible children. This leaves too many kids without access to the early education they need.
The Solution: State Investment in Child Care
With federal action stalled, it’s up to states to lead the way. States like Florida, New Jersey, California, and New Mexico have made big investments in expanding access to high-quality preschool. These states show that it’s possible to provide universal access without compromising quality. Expanding the NC Pre-K program is the next logical step for North Carolina. The state ranks 29th in the country for public pre-K access, but it’s one of only 13 states to meet nine out of ten quality benchmarks set by the National Institute for Early Education Research.
To move forward, we need to balance quality and accessibility.
As North Carolina works to expand early education, it must balance several factors: affordability, availability, quality, and accessibility. This means considering things like who qualifies, how to fund programs, how much to pay teachers, and classroom conditions. A recent report, “Barriers to Expansion of NC Pre-K: Problems and Potential Solutions,” suggests that more funding is needed to ensure NC Pre-K providers can cover costs while maintaining high standards.
A Call to Action
High-quality early childhood education isn’t just nice to have—it’s a necessity. By prioritizing early education, North Carolina can reduce educational inequities, support working families, and build a stronger future for everyone. Take action by:
- Educating Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the issues and solutions. Join NCECF’s email list to receive future advocacy packages and calls to action.
- Engaging with Policymakers: Reach out to state legislators to share these resources:
- Share this article from NCECF which digs deeper into the facts and stats of the early care and learning crisis.
- Encourage them to reference the birth through five components of the Build Back Better Act for state-level policy guidance.
- Emphasize the need for immediate and substantial funding to stabilize the system. North Carolina Early Education Coalition Action Center
- Joining Advocacy Groups: Collaborate with organizations like NCECF to amplify your voice and participate in coordinated advocacy efforts.
- Sharing Personal Stories: Personal anecdotes about the impact of child care issues on your family can be powerful in illustrating the need for change to policymakers and the public. Posting on social media and tagging your legislators can get attention.
Now is the time for parents, teachers, caregivers, and policymakers to take action and make sure every child in North Carolina has access to the early learning opportunities they deserve. Together, we can make universal, high-quality preschool a reality and enjoy the benefits for years to come. Read the full brief here.