Pre-K Coverage

NC's pre-K attendance rate falls behind other states

More North Carolina children are attending public pre-kindergarten programs, but attendance remains lower than most other states, according to a new report from a group that tracks early education across the U.S.

North Carolina ranks 29th in public pre-K enrollment, new report shows

More than 21% of North Carolina's four-year-olds enrolled in the state's pre-kindergarten programs during the 2022-2023 school year, up from the prior year but still below the state's pre-pandemic highs, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.

Paul Specht and Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL state government reporters

NC pre-K gets $8M funding boost for supplies, equipment and support

The one-time federal funds amount to nearly $4,000 per classroom.

WRAL News staff

Wake ThreeSchool Early Learning Program doubles in size, helps parents stay in the workforce

The Wake ThreeSchool Early Learning Program provides free early childhood education to qualified families in Wake County.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

Wake County program makes preschool free for families struggling with costs

Happy Face Pre-School is one of several child care centers participating in the Wake Three School program. making pre-school available for dozens of families who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

Wake Three School gives all families a chance to enter preschool

A Wake County program is making preschool available for dozens of families who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

Durham County proposed budget has increased focus on pre-K education

The proposed budget from Durham County Manager funds more slots and classrooms for 4-year-olds.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Durham County proposed budget increases focus on pre-K education

The proposed budget from Durham County Manager funds more slots and classrooms for 4-year-olds. Parents and teachers within Durham Public Schools agree on the importance of early childhood education.

Parents back plan for free Pre-K, wish it could happen sooner

Some parents and teachers in the Triangle are sending a message to the White House about its plan to provide free Pre-K for all children for two years.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

State, national leaders outline plan for two free years of Pre-K for all

The U.S. Secretary of Education joins North Carolina leaders for a tour of a child care center in Cary, where they will discuss the plan to provide two free years of pre-K to all children in America.

Wake ThreeSchool: Pre-K program for 3-year-olds could assist low-income families

Wake County officials unveiled a plan Wednesday to expand tuition-free pre-kindergarten offerings to thousands of 3-year-olds living within 200% of the poverty line.

Wake County proposes tuition-free pre-kindergarten for lower-income 3-year-olds

The Wake County Board of Commissioners today announced the creation of Wake ThreeSchool, a cutting-edge new Pre-K program designed to give underserved 3-year-olds access to quality early education when brain building is at its peak.

By Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter

Biden to unveil American Famiies Plan in primetime speech

The American Families Plan, as the White House calls it, follows the $2.3 trillion infrastructure package that President Joe Biden introduced last month, bringing his two-part package of economic proposals to just over $4 trillion. He will present the details to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening.

MARY ANN WOLF: Early childhood education, care and support

Monday, March 29, 2020 -- According to research released before the pandemic, only half of all N.C. parents were able to access any type of center-based or formal early childhood care. Six months into the pandemic, that rate fell to less than one-in-three. The analysis finds that "households of color face more early education challenges: the care they rely on is lower quality, with fewer employer supports; and the pandemic has disproportionately impaired their access to child care." For our economic recovery and future prosperity, it is imperative that North Carolina takes swift action to ensure all of our children are well cared for and well prepared for academic and social success.

Head Start program helps individuals, families achieve success and get ahead of the class

Head Start, a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides early childhood education and support services to impoverished families across America. The program helps individuals and families build a strong foundation that can lead to future success.

Latisha Catchatoorian, WRAL Digital Solutions

Editorial: Stop diverting Lottery funds from promised education enhancements

Wednesday, March 4, 2020 -- Think back 15 years ago, as the contentious debate over enactment of the lottery reached its crescendo. Republican legislators were strident in near uniform opposition. Senators, including now top leader Phil Berger, warned of empty promises from backers that the lottery money would be dedicated to enhancing and expanding public education, not merely another source to meet ongoing obligations. As it turned out it was those who offered the direst of warnings who fulfilled their own prophesies.

Go Ask Mom: 3 ways to tell your child is ready for pre-K or kindergarten

So, how do you know whether your child is ready for a full-day pre-kindergarten or kindergarten program? The truth is, each child's rate of physical, social, and intellectual development varies, but there is a continuum of common skills and behaviors that are considered appropriate for this age group: Social-emotional skills, self-help skills and early learning behaviors.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Where N.C. tax dollars really go

Friday, July 19, 2019 -- Capitol Broadcasting's editorial cartoonist.

Editorial: When legislators say there isn't money, they mean corporate tax cuts are more important

Wednesday, July 10, 2019 -- The reason there are cuts and spending freezes, as legislators well know, isn't in vagaries of the economy or other external forces. It is a most conscious decision legislators made themselves. The TOP priority, ahead of any other need, is cutting corporate taxes. It has been a case of way too much, way too fast.

Editorial: Legislators need to follow Cooper's lead on early-child funding

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 -- North Carolina's children, particularly those most vulnerable because of poverty or geography, are being left behind. Their opportunities to become successful learners are diminished. Legislative leaders can show their "good faith" to negotiate over the budget by publicly committing to fully-fund what Cooper has outlined as the state's pre-K needs.Investing in early childhood education makes sense. It makes kids better learners and leads to more opportunities for their futures.

Lawmakers hear report on early childhood education

A legislative oversight committee reviews a report on the need for more early childhood education in North Carolina.

JUSTIN PARMENTER: N.C virtual pre-K pilot driven by stereotypes, not data

Thursday, June 6, 2019 -- All North Carolina children deserve access to a Pre-K program where they can work with qualified human teachers and peers to develop communication and collaboration skills that will make for a smooth transition to kindergarten. Our budget priorities should reflect our belief that they deserve it.

Study: NC boosts pre-K funding and enrollment, but needs to expand access

North Carolina has increased state preschool funding and enrollment, but access has hovered at 23 percent of 4-year-olds - below the national average, according to new research released Wednesday by the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Police: Pre-K students forced to strip

Police are investigating claims that at least four preschool students were forced to strip naked and stand in a closet as punishment at an East St. Louis, Illinois daycare.

North Carolina CEOs push for expansion of Pre-K education

SAS Institute CEO Jim Goodnight and other North Carolina business leaders meet at Millbrook Elementary School in Raleigh to advocate for the expansion of pre-kindergarten education programs across the state.