'We are a beacon'
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Seeing Dani Morris-White, the pre-K coordinator for Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS), holding a door open and beaming with pride last week reminded me yet again that the early childhood work being done in our neighborhoods and communities continues, regardless of what may or may not be happening at the state or local level.
Dani was welcoming guests to the groundbreaking ceremony last Wednesday for the final phase of Pasquotank Elementary School’s conversion to the Pasquotank Early Childhood Center.
When the school closed its doors in June 2024, the district already had a plan for reopening them in a new capacity. By August, it was already home to a variety of child and family services offered by the district, which now includes a microschool.
Last week — thanks to an almost $1.8 million investment approved by the Pasquotank County Commissioners — construction began on converting an entire wing into classrooms that meet the high standards of NC Pre-K.
On a midweek teacher workday, with the district’s pre-K teachers and a number of local elected officials in attendance, speaker after speaker demonstrated a clear understanding of the significance of early childhood education for the future of their county:
- “I do believe there’s a possible future that’s coming soon where we can say in this county and city, and hopefully in our state, that pre-K is universal to any family that wants it, and we’re getting ready for that world that could be coming by transforming this school into an early childhood learning center.” — Keith Parker, superintendent of ECPPS
- “I’ve come to the conclusion as I travel across this state, when you invest in young people, the return is far better than investing in anything else.” — Kirk Rivers, mayor of Elizabeth City
- “The county commissioners are definitely committed to the school system and the cost justification is there, because hopefully our young kids in 20 or 30 years can sit up here as members of the school board and county commissioners and continue the legacies of (schools like Pasquotank Elementary).” — Lloyd Griffin III, chair of Pasquotank County Commissioners
- “Our students are developing the academic, social, and emotional skills that they need to be successful, both now and in the years to come… This project is about more than just the building. It’s about investing in children, supporting families, and strengthening our community for our future.” — Dani Morris-White, pre-K Coordinator of ECPPS
- “They deserve the very best educational start that we can give them, and this is just the beginning… We are a beacon in the northeastern part of North Carolina.” — Angela Cobb, chair of ECPPS Board of Education
As a graduate of Pasquotank Elementary School myself, and having followed along with the process of the school’s retirement and conversion for almost two years, I left the event with a profound sense of hope for the community that shaped me, and for how it will continue to shape future generations.
Check out some of the stories below for more reasons to feel optimistic about the work happening in our local communities, and stay safe out there.
More from EdNC on early childhood
$4 million pre-K investment in Forsyth County pays off, report says
A two-year, $4 million investment in high-quality pre-K classrooms across Forsyth County led to strong student outcomes, high teacher retention, and increased family engagement, according to a new report from The Pre-K Priority. The report evaluates the Pre-K Model Cohort...Gov. Stein's bipartisan task force on child care releases report calling for state subsidy floor, among other recommendations
The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education released its 2025 year-end report outlining progress toward its recommendations along with future action steps. Those recommendations include setting a statewide subsidy reimbursement floor, offering non-salary benefits to child...Community college student parents need child care. Here's how colleges can help
Editor’s note: This article is part of a series on the intersections of community colleges and child care. Other articles in the series are available here. Highlights Community college students are often balancing lives and responsibilities outside of school — from...EdNC’s Hurricane Helene Playbook: Lessons learned in early childhood
Editor’s note: This article is part of EdNC’s playbook on Hurricane Helene. Other articles in the playbook are available here. As global humanitarian aid organization Save the Children responded to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, staff noticed a particular gap in awareness...State officials respond to reports of federal funding freezes for child care
Update, Jan. 16: On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) said in an email that child care subsidy payments will be delayed for December 2025 due to...Perspective | North Carolina should expand the focus on child care to address broader challenges facing North Carolina families
Gov. Josh Stein’s bipartisan Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, announced in March, is a significant step toward prioritizing the needs of North Carolina families, particularly in addressing the high costs of child care. But that’s not the...Perspective | It's time to build better, affordable child care for working families
North Carolina’s economic potential is immense. From education to job creation to entrepreneurship, we have invested in a state where everyone can find a good-paying job and build a home for their family. But there’s one key area where the...North Carolina announces short-term training for future early childhood teachers
Editor’s note: This article is part of a series on the intersections of community colleges and child care. Other articles in the series are available here. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will partner with 16 higher...The big picture for little kids
News & Research
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The Policy Window for Universal Child Care Opens in 2026 - From Home Grown
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States invest in child care more than ever to help parents with rising costs - From The Washington Post
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$14.7 million grant to address Oklahoma’s child care crisis - From KFOR
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Opinion | Mamdani might actually pull off universal childcare in NYC - From USA Today
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County moves to address daycare shortage - From The Sylva Herald
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Nearly Half of Hispanic Children Live in Families With Low Incomes - From Child Trends
Taking flight! Opportunities to spread your wings
Black Genius Festival - From Village of Wisdom
Location: Black Wall Street in Durham, N.C.
Date: Feb. 28, 2026
From VoW: Black Genius Fest is an immersive day of culture, creation, and otherworldly celebration. This February, we take over Parrish Street — once the heart of Durham’s Black Wall Street, where Black Genius built banks, culture, and futures. One hundred years ago, Carter G. Woodson planted the seed of Black History Month — a radical act of celebration of Black stories and innovation.
We honor the centennial the way our ancestors would want: together, in joy, building forward. This is the next chapter.
National Early Childhood Education Workforce Convening - From TEACH Early Childhood National Center
Date: April 15-16, 2026
Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Registration is open for this annual event that brings together professionals from across the country who are working on advocacy, policy, funding, strategy development and systems building toward implementation and sustainability of programs, as well as strategies and funding that support early education systems nationally and in states and communities across the country. Early Bird pricing ends on Jan. 30.
NC Farm to ECE Initiative Collaborative -- Info Session - From NCSU's Center for Environmental Farming Systems
Date: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location/Link: Zoom Link
From the organizers: We are seeking passionate teams led by NC Extension Agents and/or Smart Start Partnership for Children agencies. If you’ve been looking for a way to bring more fresh air, fresh food, and fresh ideas to the childcare programs in your county, this is it. As a lead agency, you will assemble a local team to support our most vulnerable population.
Want to learn more about how to join the Collaborative and what your role could be? Come to our info session to hear the details, ask questions, and get hyped for a great year of growing!
