South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Academically Based Child in Raleigh to observe child care practices and highlight the urgent need for funding early childhood education and child care. Accompanied by local officials and Smart Start leadership from Wake County, Cooper emphasized the importance of investment in these programs. Academically Based Child is a 5-star licensed child care center and NC Pre-K program provider.

“Quality child care programs like Academically Based Child mean parents can go to work knowing their children are safe and cared for while learning,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolina will not continue to be the best state to do business if we fall behind in early childhood education. Republican legislators need to invest in crucial programs like child care, not more taxpayer-funded private school vouchers.”

Kim Knight, Director of Programs at Academically Based Child, added, “The bottom line is, without continued investment in early childhood, we cannot continue to hire well-trained staff who understand the needs of children and families. This is due to our inability to provide competitive compensation and essential tools for teachers to maintain high-quality classrooms. Additionally, families struggle to afford the rising costs associated with quality child care.”

Wake County Smart Start Executive Director Gayle Headen stated, “Research shows that investing in early childhood yields a return of over 13% both presently and in the future. When communities support affordable, high-quality child care and education, they help parents succeed in their careers and prepare children to succeed in kindergarten and life ahead. Long term, this investment also lays the foundation for a skilled workforce, reduces societal costs, and fulfills every parent’s dream for their child: a dream of a bright future!”

A recent statewide survey indicates that nearly a third of North Carolina child care centers risk closure when federal Child Care Stabilization Grants end in June. Without additional investment, these centers may lose quality teachers, face hiring difficulties, and increase fees for parents.

North Carolina’s NC Pre-K program also faces risks this year as $625 million is allocated towards private school vouchers instead of sustaining this recognized program.

In April, Governor Cooper proposed his FY 2024-2025 budget titled "Securing North Carolina’s Future," which includes a $745 million investment aimed at strengthening access to child care and early education for working families. The proposal includes:

- $200 million for Child Care Stabilization Grants

- $128.5 million for the Child Care Subsidy Program

- $10 million for Smart Start

- $197 million for the NC Pre-K Program

- $24.4 million for summer care and learning programs

- A refundable child and dependent care tax credit worth up to $600

Governor Cooper has declared 2024 as the Year of Public Schools and has been advocating investments across K-12 education, early childhood education, and teacher pay while calling for an end to spending on private school vouchers until public schools are fully funded.

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