WNC Early Childhood Coalition

06/09/2026

Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed June 2026 as Whole Child Health and Well-Being Month in North Carolina, recognizing that the health, development, and wellbeing of children must be a top priority in public policy and community action.

The proclamation highlights both the challenges facing children across the state and the tremendous opportunity to improve outcomes through evidence-based investments that strengthen families, schools, communities, and child-serving systems. Importantly, it also recognizes the Decade of the Child Initiative and its roadmap for increasing the positive and protective conditions that help every child thrive.

This recognition reflects growing momentum for a whole child approach—one that acknowledges the profound impact of early experiences on lifelong health, wellbeing, educational achievement, and economic success.

As we celebrate this important milestone, we invite you to join us for an upcoming national webinar that will further explore how federal research investments can advance whole child health and wellbeing.

Federal Research Investments in Whole Child Health and Wellbeing
June 24, 2026
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Join the sessions that fit your schedule. All registrants will receive the recording and event materials.

Hosted by the Decade of the Child Committee, this full-day event will feature leadership from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and nationally recognized child health and wellbeing experts discussing how decades of scientific research can be translated into effective policies, programs, and practices that help children and families flourish.

As communities across the country work to improve outcomes for children and families, this timely conversation will focus on how research investments can help identify, implement, scale, and sustain evidence-based approaches that support lifelong success.

Learn More & Register >>

https://www.npscoalition.org/federal-research-investments-in-whole-child-health-and-wellbeing?emci=4ff0ded3-e360-f111-8fcb-000d3a14b640&emdi=c6bb5ced-e360-f111-8fcb-000d3a14b640&ceid=32689470


We hope you'll join us as we continue building momentum for a healthier future for every child.

Sincerely,

The Decade of the Child Committee

06/04/2026

Child care in North Carolina is in crisis. From January to October 2025, we lost 280 programs. If lawmakers don't fund child care in this year's budget, more closures will follow — hurting children, parents, businesses, and our economy.

The first step? Create a statewide minimum subsidy reimbursement rate floor. Right now, rates cover only about half of actual costs — forcing providers to cut staff, raise tuition, or close. A rate floor gives programs the stability to keep classrooms open.

But time is running out. Lawmakers aim to finalize the budget by June 15. They need to hear from you — right now.

Send a note urging your lawmaker to invest in stabilizing child care. North Carolina families can't wait.

https://ncearlyeducationcoalition.quorum.us/campaign/163764/

06/04/2026

04/27/2026

✨📚 Leadership in Action at CWA 📚✨

Last week, our Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. CiCi Weston, and Chief Impact Officer, Jasmine Bright, proudly attended the NC Child Conference alongside the WNC Early Childhood Coalition

It was an incredible opportunity to connect with educators, youth-serving organizations, advocates, and community partners from across the state, all committed to creating brighter futures for children and families in North Carolina.

Spaces like these allow us to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and continue learning innovative ways to serve our communities with excellence. CWA is honored to be part of statewide conversations that uplift early childhood education and youth development.

Together, we move the work forward. 💛

04/27/2026

Implementing statewide financing for child care could transform the current system into a win-win for families and businesses alike.

04/21/2026

The $101 million request would support programs participating in the child care subsidy program, which helps eligible parents afford care.

04/20/2026

Calling all Child Care Advocates NC's Child Care System is in Crisis - We Need Your Help!
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Via Zoom
Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/calling-all-child-care-advocates-we-need-your-help?fbclid

North Carolina's child care system continues to operate in a state of crisis - and it will take all of us, working together, to change its direction.

This Advocacy 101 workshop is designed for:
Child Care Providers, Owners and Operators
Classroom Teachers and Program Staff
Administrators and Early Education Leaders
Advocates and Community Partners
We need an "all hands on deck" approach - and your voice matters.

North Carolina's Child Care System continues to operate in a CRISIS ! This workshop will help you to understand why, hear what solutions you think will work and provide you with the tools to be a successful Child Care Advocate ! Join our presenters - Greg Borom, WNC Early Childhood Coalition, Beth M...

04/11/2026

Week of the Young Child starts TODAY!

How are you celebrating? We celebrate by joining in with many other advocacy leaders in prioritizing the need for the young child, their families and teachers to be a legislative priority. As we enter into our NC legislative short session this month, our advocacy efforts are stronger than ever!

Join our efforts at www.wncearlychildhood.org

04/08/2026

April is officially the Month of the Young Child in North Carolina! 🎉

Thank you to Governor Josh Stein for recognizing the importance of early childhood education and the incredible impact it has on children, families, and our communities.

https://governor.nc.gov/governor-stein-proclaims-month-young-child-and-week-young-child NCAEYC The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

04/06/2026

WNC advocates, educators, and employers — this one matters.

The NC Governor’s Task Force on Child Care has released its latest report, and it clearly outlines both the challenges facing early childhood education and the opportunities ahead for our state.

Child care is not just a family issue — it’s a workforce issue, an economic issue, and a community issue. When we invest in high-quality, accessible child care, we are investing in stronger businesses, more stable families, and better outcomes for children.

As you read through the attached report, we encourage you to think about what this means for our community, our workforce, and our future. The path forward will take collaboration, advocacy, and action from all of us.

Let’s keep this conversation going. Our children — and our state — are worth it.

Report below 👇