What’s in the state budget for early childhood and early literacy?
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The state budget directs $97 million recurring in federal funds to raise the rates child care providers receive to serve children through the state’s subsidy program. The program helps low-income working parents afford licensed care.
The funding will also establish a floor rate, meaning that child care facilities will receive at least the statewide average rate for subsidized care. Without a floor, rates range widely from county to county, making it harder for facilities to serve children in certain communities. Rates are set based on market rate studies, which advocates say do not accurately measure the cost of providing care.
“For too many North Carolina families, finding affordable and accessible child care has simply been out of reach,” said Erica Palmer-Smith, executive director of advocacy nonprofit NC Child, in an emailed statement.
A technical corrections bill adjusted the implementation date for child care subsidy rate changes from July 1 to Oct. 1.
The budget also appropriates $13,800,000 for middle school literacy professional development.
It includes $1.4 million to expand the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) reading diagnostic to 4th and 5th grade. Currently, the assessment is for grades K-3.
And the budget includes $500,000, nonrecurring, for DPI to “establish a pilot program that allocates funding to 6 counties for the purchase of literacy materials from Just Right Reader, Inc. to support implementation of Science of Reading and phonics-based instruction and promote early literacy.”
“Every child deserves the chance for a strong start, regardless of their zip code,” Palmer-Smith said. “We are grateful to our legislative leaders for making an investment that strengthens families, expands opportunity, and builds a brighter future for North Carolina.”
After passing the budget, the General Assembly voted to adjourn until July 27.
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