NC Early Childhood Foundation

NC Early Childhood Foundation We are NC’s only organization focused exclusively on children, prenatal through third grade. Focus on Birth to 8. Leverage North Carolina’s Successes.

Our work is grounded in the belief that solving problems requires we start from a place that is energizing, promotes broad engagement and is rooted in exploration. Investing in strategies that focus on children from birth to age eight is the most effective and cost-efficient means to improve third grade outcomes and long-term success for children and our state. North Carolina has a track record of

private and public sector innovation and success that is replicable and should be leveraged. Build Public Will, Accelerate What Works, and Ignite Action. Gains in early childhood policy and investment require a three-pronged approach.

1. Empower people with information and connect them to early childhood issues through their own values, experiences, and relationships.

2. Advance proven and promising strategies that have the potential to create large scale, lasting change for young children.

3. Stimulate healthy and active cross-sector partnerships that build upon collective energy, curiosity, and resourcefulness and lead to continued innovation.

We join millions around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, whose extraordinary legacy extends far beyond th...
08/25/2026

We join millions around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, whose extraordinary legacy extends far beyond the music and joy she shared with generations.

Dolly understood something we believe deeply: Every child deserves the opportunity to become a reader. Through her lifelong commitment to literacy and the Imagination Library, she put free books into the hands of millions of children and helped families discover the joy of reading together.

Those of us working to build strong foundations for young children are grateful for the path she helped pave. We honor her legacy by continuing the work -- helping more children discover books, build a love of reading, and dream about all they can become.

Theresa Stacker, Executive Director
North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation

The workday isn’t always 9-to-5. So why is child care? 🕐Parents working early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and ...
08/20/2026

The workday isn’t always 9-to-5. So why is child care? 🕐
Parents working early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and unpredictable shifts face an especially difficult challenge: finding reliable, affordable child care when they need it.
A new NCECF report explores the disconnect between today’s workforce and a child care system still largely built around traditional weekday hours — and what employers and policymakers can do to help.
Among the findings:
🔹 81% of working adults say flexible hours and schedules are a top workplace priority.
🔹 40% of North Carolina parents say they’ve left a job because it lacked flexibility.
🔹 More predictable schedules can benefit families and employers by supporting retention, attendance, and productivity.
Creating a child care system that works for today’s families will take all of us.
👉 Read “Meeting the Needs of Parents Working Nontraditional and Variable Shift Schedules” – https://bit.ly/4xRXnDS

To learn more about how predictable work schedules affect parents and children, and to access a one-page fact sheet presenting the problem, its impacts, and solutions, visit our Policy Center – https://bit.ly/3S1yu9z

The challenges facing young children and families are significant. But so is the opportunity before us.As we step into t...
08/19/2026

The challenges facing young children and families are significant. But so is the opportunity before us.

As we step into this next chapter, NCECF remains committed to connecting partners, advancing evidence-based solutions, and championing the policies and practices that help every child build a strong foundation for lifelong health, education, and well-being.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We're proud of this new beginning, and even more excited about what we'll accomplish together in the months and years ahead.

Visit our new site to learn more and get involved: BuildTheFoundation.org

Last week, we officially launched our new brand and website.One of the greatest rewards has been hearing from so many of...
08/07/2026

Last week, we officially launched our new brand and website.

One of the greatest rewards has been hearing from so many of you since the launch. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with partners sharing that our new website and visual identity make it easier to understand who we are, what we do, and how our work fits into the larger effort to support children and families. That's exactly what we hoped to accomplish. Clearer communication leads to stronger connections, and stronger connections create greater impact.

Whether you're looking for resources, opportunities to engage, or simply to learn more about our initiatives, we think you'll find a clearer picture of the work we're doing together at BuildTheFoundation.org

This brand refresh gave us the chance to reflect on who we are as an organization, how we've grown over time, and where ...
08/05/2026

This brand refresh gave us the chance to reflect on who we are as an organization, how we've grown over time, and where we're headed as a team. NCECF is a statewide leader, a convener of change, and a committed advocate for North Carolina's children and families.

And our new brand reflects our long-time commitment to this work. We've always been rooted in outcomes for North Carolina's children and families, and now we're seeing our work blossom.

Visit BuildTheFoundation.org to access policy resources and solutions, learn more about the initiatives we lead and coalition we power, and find ways to get involved in this work.

Our new website is live, and it was built with you in mind.Improved navigation. Updated content. Enhanced accessibility....
08/03/2026

Our new website is live, and it was built with you in mind.

Improved navigation. Updated content. Enhanced accessibility. A more user-friendly experience so you can explore our initiatives, find resources, and learn about our work across North Carolina.

See more at BuildTheFoundation.org

"Connecting Policy to Impact"Four words that articulate what we've always done, and the work we continue to do. We bring...
07/31/2026

"Connecting Policy to Impact"

Four words that articulate what we've always done, and the work we continue to do.

We bring together research, partnerships, advocacy, and systems to improve outcomes for young children and families across North Carolina.

Our work has always been about connecting people to power, and policy to the change it's meant to create. Now our intention lives in our tagline—ever at the forefront of what we do.

It's hard to sum up the work we do, especially with a single symbol. The purple coneflower is a familiar native wildflow...
07/30/2026

It's hard to sum up the work we do, especially with a single symbol.

The purple coneflower is a familiar native wildflower in North Carolina, known for its hardiness, adaptability, and value to gardeners, herbalists, and wildlife alike. Our new logo draws inspiration from this beloved local bloom, reflecting growth, resilience, connection, and the strong roots that help North Carolina children blossom.

Our color palette evokes our grounded, yet bright approach to this work. Various greens, soft pollen yellows and oranges, and the pink and purple of this iconic flower's petals create an earthy palette that's deeply connected to the natural world surrounding the many communities we serve.

It's Grade-Level Reading Week and we're celebrating organizations across the country who work everyday to support childr...
07/29/2026

It's Grade-Level Reading Week and we're celebrating organizations across the country who work everyday to support children's literacy skills! And through their Twin Counties Read to Rise project, the Down East Partnership for Children is a shining star!

Our new logo, look, tagline, and website have been built to align with who we are as an organization today and are struc...
07/29/2026

Our new logo, look, tagline, and website have been built to align with who we are as an organization today and are structured to carry our work forward.

Explore our new site: buff.ly/w4RChbT

Address

Mailing Address: 514 Daniels Street, #173
Raleigh, NC
27605

Telephone

+19198953290

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