Early Years

10/08/2026

SAVE THE DATE! The ASK Conference returns on February 27, 2027!

The ASK (Advancing Skills & Knowledge) Conference is a day of virtual professional development for early educators. There will be a variety of workshops designed to enhance teachers’ classroom practices, covering subject areas identified by NC licensing standards and aligned with NC FELD standards.

More information coming soon! Registration opens this fall.

10/07/2026

There's only ONE WEEK LEFT to register for Early Years' pickleball tournament! Registration closes next Wednesday, October 14: earlyyearsnc.org/pickleball 🏓

Join us on Saturday, October 17 at Ephesus Park Courts in Chapel Hill for our second annual Serve & Support pickleball fundraising tournament! Every rally on the court supports early educators, the children in their care, and local North Carolina families who rely on stable and affordable high-quality child care.

Player Perks: 🎁 Swag bag for all players 🍿 Snacks and refreshments 🏆 Chance to win unique raffle prizes

Support early education by grabbing your paddle and claiming your spot before registration closes on Wednesday: earlyyearsnc.org/pickleball 🏓

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Thank you to our sponsors: Providence Preparatory School, TowneBank, Enbridge Gas North Carolina, Old Peak Finance and HALO22!
Thank you to our in-kind donors: North Carolina Courage, Central Dermatology Center, P.A., Martin Burke with Compass Real Estate, Branagh Group, The Purple Bowl, Fleet Feet Carrboro and Durham, The Loop Restaurant, Eastcut Sandwich Bar and One40 Social!

10/06/2026

The Child Care WAGE$® Executive Summary for FY2026 highlights the difference education-based salary supplements can make, from easing financial stress to supporting continued education and helping educators feel valued for the work they do.

In FY 2026:
💚 3,991 early educators received WAGE$ supplements across 68 North Carolina counties.
💚 98% of survey respondents said WAGE$ helped ease financial stress.
💚 97% said receiving WAGE$ made them feel more appreciated and recognized for their work.
💚 88% said WAGE$ is an incentive to seek additional education and/or helps make it more financially feasible.

Behind every number is an early educator balancing family, education and the important work of caring for young children. WAGE$ recognizes that work and provides meaningful support along the way.

Read the Executive Summary and learn more about WAGE$: earlyyearsnc.org/wages/wage-results

10/01/2026

No partner? No experience? No problem!

Thinking about joining our 2026 Early Years Pickleball Tournament but don't have a partner, or worried you’re not "pro" enough? Don't worry, this event is all about fun and community!
🏓 Solo player? Sign up as a single player and we’ll pair you up!
🏓 New to the game? Our beginner brackets are designed just for you.

Don't get left on the sidelines register now! earlyyearsnc.org/pickleball

Here's what’s waiting for you:
🎤 MC hosting by NCAA champion and UNC-Chapel Hill alum Sophia Patel.
🥤 Custom refreshment pop-up by Build a Fizz.
🎟️ Awesome raffle prizes from North Carolina Courage, Central Dermatology Center, P.A., Martin J Burke - realtor w/ Compass Real Estate, Branagh Group, The Purple Bowl, Fleet Feet Carrboro and Durham, The Loop Restaurant and more!
👶 100% of proceeds support local early child care providers.

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Thank you to our sponsors: Providence Preparatory School, TowneBank, Enbridge Gas North Carolina, Old Peak Finance and HALO22!

09/30/2026

Did you know that in our last funding year, WAGE$ participants earned an average six-month supplement of $1,285? That's approximately $2,570 more in early educators' pockets each year!

Amounts vary based on your education, schedule and the tier your local participating partnership supports, but that money is all yours to use however you need!

Don't miss out! Find out if your county participates and apply today: earlyyearsnc.org/program/wages

09/30/2026

Early Years is now accepting applications to provide FREE technical assistance to child care centers and family child care homes! Apply now: earlyyearsnc.org/TA-application

FREE Program Support is Now Available! Early Years is now accepting applications to provide technical assistance to child care centers and family child care homes. Technical assistance is available to licensed child care programs and those starting the licensing process, serving children from birth to 12.

What can Technical Assistance do for your program?
- Licensing & Star-Ratings: Support and guidance related to licensing and Pathways.
- On-Site and Virtual Coaching: Classroom setup, health and safety support, lesson planning and developmentally appropriate activities.
- Assessments & Tools: Support with ERS assessments and professional development plans.
- 100% Free Service: Fully funded by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education.

Interested in receiving support? Complete the application to get started. We look forward to working with you!
Early Years

https://ow.ly/nrlo50ZRxaU

09/29/2026

We’re proud to be highlighted by The Assembly for our work alongside Durham Technical Community College! With local child care centers facing critical staffing shortages, our Early Educator Academy is creating accessible, tuition-free pathways to get qualified teachers into local classrooms.

Read the full story by Tori Newby below to see how we're tackling these workforce gaps together!

The Early Educator Academy offers a streamlined path for child care workers to earn a credential in two months. Demand is high, but the program remains small.

09/25/2026

NC Birth-to-Three Quality Initiative is offering more than 15 professional development trainings for infant-toddler educators in October!

Register now for next month's course offerings: earlyyearsnc.org/B3QI-October 🎃

09/24/2026

Earn more with WAGE$! 💚

Child Care WAGE$® provides education-based salary supplements to eligible early educators working with children from birth to age 5, recognizing the value of your education, experience and commitment to early learning. The higher your education level, the more you earn; you bring the dedication, and WAGE$ rewards it!

Learn more and apply now: earlyyearsnc.org/program/wages