North Carolina Task Force Advances Efforts for Affordable Child Care

The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt and Senator Jim Burgin, has released its 2025 year-end report detailing six recommendations aimed at improving child care accessibility and affordability across the state. Governor Josh Stein emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “Too many families in our state can’t afford to work because child care is expensive and in short supply.” The task force aims to address these challenges through bipartisan collaboration and actionable strategies.

North Carolina Task Force Advances Bipartisan Efforts for Affordable Child Care, Aims for Legislative Action in 2026North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

The task force's recommendations focus on several critical areas to enhance child care services in North Carolina. These include:

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

1. Establishing a statewide child care subsidy reimbursement rate floor.

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

2. Developing non-salary benefits for child care professionals.

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

3. Exploring partnerships with the University of North Carolina System, community colleges, and K-12 schools to improve access for public employees and students.

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

4. Investigating subsidized or free child care specifically for child care teachers.

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

5. Linking existing workforce compensation and support programs for early childhood professionals.

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

6. Considering the creation of a child care endowment.

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

These initiatives are designed to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that child care professionals receive adequate support.

North Carolina Task Force Advances Bipartisan Efforts for Affordable Child Care, Aims for Legislative Action in 2026

In 2026, the task force plans to continue developing action plans based on its recommendations and will advocate for legislative support from the North Carolina General Assembly. The task force's meetings will address various issues, including funding strategies and successful local innovations in child care. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the importance of affordable child care for workforce readiness, stating, “North Carolina’s children and families are counting on investment in child care and early education.”

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child CareNorth Carolina Task Force Advances Bipartisan Efforts for Affordable Child Care, Aims for Legislative Action in 2026

The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including educators, government officials, and representatives from various organizations. Notable members include:

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

• Jennifer Akin, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, Blue Star Families

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

• Susan Gale Perry, Chief Executive Officer, Child Care Aware of America

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

• Dr. Mary Olvera, State Director of Teacher Education, NC Community College System

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

• Gary Salamido, President & CEO, NC Chamber

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

This broad representation aims to ensure that the task force's recommendations are well-informed and actionable.

North Carolina Task Force Advances Bipartisan Efforts for Affordable Child Care, Aims for Legislative Action in 2026

While the task force's efforts have been largely supported, some critics argue that the proposed measures may not adequately address the root causes of child care affordability issues. Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of subsidy programs and whether they will sufficiently reduce costs for families.

North Carolina Task Force Advances Bipartisan Efforts for Affordable Child Care, Aims for Legislative Action in 2026

• “Too many families in our state can’t afford to work because child care is expensive and in short supply,” — Governor Josh Stein

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

• “Over the past year, the Task Force on Child Care and Early Education has focused on real, practical ways to make child care more affordable and accessible in all 100 counties.” — Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

• “Employers bringing well-paying jobs to North Carolina want to know our workforce is ready and able to fill them,” — Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley

North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education Advances Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care

The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education is committed to addressing the pressing needs of families and the workforce, with ongoing efforts to implement its recommendations and advocate for legislative action in 2026.

North Carolina Task Force Advances Bipartisan Efforts for Affordable Child Care, Aims for Legislative Action in 2026