Task force releases 6 recommendations on NC child care

A task force dedicated to addressing child care challenges in North Carolina announced a series of recommendations on July 1 aimed at improving access, affordability, and quality of early childhood care across the state.

The recommendations come from the NC Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, a Democrat; and Sen. Jim Burgin, a Republican from Harnett County. Gov. Josh Stein created the task force by executive order in March.

“When parents can’t find or afford child care, it holds them back from contributing fully to the workforce. This hurts not just families but our entire economy. These recommendations are a step toward giving every child in North Carolina the strong start in life they deserve,” said Gov. Josh Stein in a statement.

A press release from Stein’s office noted that many parents with young children are leaving the workforce due to lack of child care options, “costing the state over $5.65 billion in additional economic output in 2023.”

The average monthly cost of infant childcare in NC is $1,021, while care for a four-year-old averages $850.

The six recommendations are:

1. Expand subsidized child care programs: To make high-quality child care more accessible to low- and middle-income families, the task force calls for increased funding to broaden the availability of child care subsidies.

2. Improve compensation for early childhood educators: The task force calls for boosting wages and offering professional development opportunities, targeted to address the “severe” staffing shortages in the sector.

3. Enact measures for affordable child care: Proposals include exploring tax credits for families, as well as funding models to cap child care costs at a set percentage of household income.

4. Invest in rural child care infrastructure: By allocating resources to expand child care facilities in rural areas, the task force says the state can address significant disparities in access and availability outside urban centers.

5. Enhance quality standards across child care centers: The task force suggests implementing “evidence-based standards” for safety, curriculum, and caregiver training to ensure all children receive high-quality early education.

6. Build Stronger Public-Private Partnerships: Finally, the task force recommends encouraging collaboration between businesses and government entities to drive investments in on-site child care solutions and broader support services for employees with young children.

“No family should have to choose between earning a paycheck and ensuring their children are safe, cared for, and learning,” said Hunt in a statement. “By addressing affordability and access, we can empower parents to pursue their careers without sacrificing their children’s futures.”

Burgin added in a statement, “Solving the child care crisis is not just a moral imperative — it’s an economic necessity. Businesses across North Carolina need a reliable workforce, and parents need dependable, affordable child care to make that happen. This investment pays dividends for everyone.”

The task force’s recommendations come on the heels of recent legislative efforts to expand child care options in the state. The General Assembly recently passed a measure aimed at increasing flexibility for child care providers and families. The bill, which passed both chambers and was sent to Stein, includes provisions to expand child care options and reduce regulatory barriers.

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