Early Years

05/27/2026

Housing is the ultimate answer, but positive childhood experiences (PCEs) build resilience right now. PCEs can change a child's life momentum. Encourage things like: feeling supported by family during difficult times, enjoying community traditions and having at least two non-parent adults taking a genuine interest in them. We can start today: earlyyearsnc.org/the-young-child-homelessness-outreach-project

Partners for Impact

05/26/2026

Early Years’ Durham Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Program, a Durham PreK initiative, has been recognized as Apprenticeship NC's Outstanding Group Program Award winner for 2026. 🏆🎉

This award is presented annually through a competitive nomination and review process evaluating performance, leadership, innovation, program quality and overall impact, and is given to an outstanding group program across all industries, not just in early childhood education.

Read more: earlyyearsnc.org/blog/apprenticeship-award

05/22/2026

Finding a pre-K site is easier than ever with Child Care Referral Central!

Our local referral specialists are ready to guide you through:
🌟 Nearby options tailored to your family’s needs
🌟 Centers with hours that match your schedule
🌟 Detailed information for every local program

📞 Call 855-327-5933 today to find the right pre-K site for your child!

05/21/2026

Children experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable individuals. Losing a home means losing safety, privacy, friends, pets, possessions and reassuring routines. These losses create a profound and lasting impact. We must listen to their silent struggle.

Learn more and take action: earlyyearsnc.org/the-young-child-homelessness-outreach-project

Partners for Impact

05/19/2026

Child Care WAGE$® offers education-based salary supplements to underpaid teachers, directors and family child care providers serving children from birth to age 5.

By recognizing and valuing the essential work of early educators, WAGE$ contributes to financial stability and promotes a sense of appreciation for their vital role in shaping the future! Because every child deserves a strong start, and every early educator deserves to feel valued and supported! 💚

Learn more about WAGE$ supplements and apply today! earlyyearsnc.org/program/wages

05/18/2026

NC Birth-to-Three Quality Initiative has 12+ professional development trainings designed for infant-toddler educators 🌟

Register now for our June course offerings! earlyyearsnc.org/B3QI-June

05/14/2026

Early Years' Durham Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Program, a Durham PreK initiative, was awarded Outstanding Group Program at the 2026 ApprenticeshipNC Awards! 🎉

Thank you for the recognition, Apprenticeship NC!

Congratulations to Early Years' Durham Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Program on receiving ApprenticeshipNC's 2026 Outstanding Group Program award! 🎉

An initiative of Durham PreK, the program has enrolled 85+ apprentices across multiple Registered Apprenticeship pathways since 2023, helping strengthen the early childhood education workforce across North Carolina through bilingual support, strong completion rates, and clear pathways for career advancement.

This recognition highlights the power of partnership and investment in the future of early childhood education👏

05/13/2026

Nationally, over 1.4 million children experienced homelessness during the 2021-2022 school year. Closer to home, North Carolina reported nearly 40,000 pre-K - 12th grade students experiencing homelessness in 2024-2025. This includes approximately 1,500 children sleeping outside (4% of unhoused students).

Learn more and take action: earlyyearsnc.org/the-young-child-homelessness-outreach-project

05/12/2026

Attention early educators! Our NEW statewide initiative, Supporting Teachers’ Earnings & Progress (STEP$), was designed to better compensate and retain infant-toddler teachers and family child care providers by providing salary supplements to low-paid educators.

YOU may be eligible! Learn more and apply today: earlyyearsnc.org/program/steps 🌟

05/08/2026

Join us in celebrating Provider Appreciation Day! 🩵

We want to thank all of the family child care providers and center-based providers educating and caring for our youngest children. Your work fosters a lifetime of learning and growth. THANK YOU!