Care and Learning Coalition
Come together to create a child care system that is affordable, sustainable, and fair for families and educators statewide.
Reimagining early childhood education, together
The Care and Learning Coalition (CandL) is an alliance of organizations across North Carolina and co-led by the NC Early Childhood Foundation, Black Child Development Carolinas, and Empowered Parents in Community. Together with parents, caregivers, and educators, we are working to build an early care and education system that is accessible, trustworthy, affordable, and equitable.
CandL’s work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves high-quality early education and that early educators should be fairly paid and supported to thrive. CandL believes early childhood education should reflect the real needs of the families it serves, and its work is guided by a simple principle: those closest to the challenge must be at the center of the solution.
CandL is fiscally sponsored by the NC Early Childhood Foundation.
What can you do?
Stay up to date on the Coalition’s work by subscribing to the CandL Newsletter.
CandL Timeline
CandL Phase 1
In Phase 1, the CandL Coalition listens. Its Engagement Team travels across 34 North Carolina counties, partnering with grassroots organizations to lead a nine-month listening tour with parents, caregivers, and child care providers. These conversations elevate real stories and reveal the needs of families and educators navigating a system that too often falls short.
CandL Phase 2
CandL uses insights gathered during Phase 1 to shape a revised vision centered on equity, family voice, and the professionalization of early educators
CandL Phase 3
A team of policy experts compares community priorities with current state policies, identifying both short-term (3–5 year) and long-term (10+ year) policy recommendations.
CandL Phase 4
The CandL Coalition establishes Advocacy Campaign Priorities, narrowing its policy recommendations to focus on three key areas:
- workforce compensation through the WAGE$ Salary Supplement Program;
- a child care subsidy floor and consistent rate;
- and support and resources for family, friend, and neighbor care.
CandL Phase 5
The CandL Coalition reconnects with families, providers, and organizations to launch a grassroots communications campaign rooted in community power.