Perspective | Educate N.C.’s new legislators on early childhood priorities

The 2024 election brings new opportunities and a fresh slate of decision-makers ready to shape the future of our state. North Carolina’s newly elected and returning legislators are eager to hear from their communities, and your voice can make all the difference in putting early childhood priorities front and center. With your help, we can ensure that the needs of North Carolina’s children and families are top of mind for our state’s leaders.

Three critical areas where your outreach can make an impact

Early literacy

A strong foundation in reading is vital to success, yet many of our children need to catch up. The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation offers two powerful resources to help educate elected officials with data-based strategies to overcome this literacy gap.

The NC Pathways to Grade-Level Reading initiative initiative envisions a future where all North Carolina children — regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status — are proficient readers by the end of 3rd grade, unlocking lifelong opportunities for success. Pathways provides actionable, data-driven strategies to close literacy gaps and advance racial equity by leveraging tools like the Data Dashboard, Action Map, and insightful publications. Proficient reading by 3rd grade is a critical milestone linked to higher graduation rates and workforce readiness. Our state leaders have the power to champion this vision by supporting policies that ensure every child in North Carolina has the resources to thrive.

A new data tool from the NC Early Childhood Foundation highlights critical gaps in third-grade literacy rates across the state, revealing the urgent need for targeted resources in economically disadvantaged schools. The Equity-Focused Early Literacy Dashboards show that children in high-poverty schools face long-standing disparities that were only worsened by the pandemic. These visualizations provide a clear roadmap for action, pinpointing the schools and districts most in need of support. By prioritizing educational resources for these communities, we can ensure that every child in North Carolina has the opportunity to become a proficient reader and succeed in school and life. Legislators can be a critical ally in addressing these inequities can help shape a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Family-friendly workplace policies

Investing in family-friendly workplace policies like paid family leave and flexible work schedules isn’t just about supporting families — it’s about building a more robust economy. These policies help working parents stay in the workforce while caring for their children, reducing business turnover, and training costs. Employers who adopt family-friendly practices often see increased productivity, improved employee morale, and higher retention rates, creating a more stable and effective workforce.

NCECF’s Family Forward NC initiative helps employers across the state create family-friendly policies that make an impact. By supporting legislation that expands access to these policies, our legislators are investing in North Carolina’s families and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth and prosperity. Learn how these policies can build a stronger N.C. here.

High-quality child care availability

Access to affordable, high-quality child care is vital for North Carolina’s families and economy, yet 99 of 100 counties qualify as child care deserts, with far more infants and toddlers than available slots. The COVID-19 pandemic has further reduced formal child care availability, which could be costing the state up to $7.5 billion annually and forcing many parents, especially mothers, out of the workforce. Addressing these challenges requires investing in the child care workforce with higher wages and support while expanding access to quality care. This approach not only supports children’s development but also boosts workforce participation and strengthens our economy. Learn more about the child care crisis, child care deserts, and solutions for a stable child care system.

Your role in educating our leaders

Now is the time to reach out to your legislators — whether they’re new to office or seasoned representatives. Use this opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to you and your community. Here’s how you can connect:

• Find your legislators: Check out this list of newly elected and returning legislators, complete with contact information and home districts.
• Share your story: Personal stories and local insights are the most compelling way to educate legislators about the importance of early childhood investments.
• Know the rules: Remember, educating legislators is not lobbying. It’s about sharing information and perspectives, not advocating for specific legislation or endorsing an official.

Here are some talking points to get you started

Always introduce yourself as a constituent and express excitement about their new term. Share your passion for early childhood education and its importance for N.C.’s future. Then, pick one of the topics below that you are most passionate about and share the talking points.

Early literacy

• Nearly half of NC’s 3rd graders aren’t reading proficiently. Early literacy is essential for lifelong success.
• Support policies and funding for literacy programs and resources for families.
• Share this resource: NC Pathways to Grade-Level Reading initiative

Family-friendly workplace policies

• Paid family leave and flexible schedules benefit working parents and child development.
• Encourage incentives for businesses to adopt family-friendly practices.
• Share this resource: Family Forward NC

High-quality child care availability

• Families need help finding affordable, quality child care.
• Advocate for investments to expand child care access, especially in underserved areas.
• Share this resource: Advocating for a Stable Child Care and early Learning System in North Carolina

Call to action

• Ask the legislator to prioritize early childhood policies and offer to provide additional insights or community stories.
• Thank them for their service and express your hope they’ll champion these priorities. Offer to follow up as needed.

Let’s celebrate and collaborate

The start of a new legislative session is full of hope and possibility. By working together, we can ensure North Carolina’s leaders understand early childhood education’s critical role in shaping a brighter future for everyone.

We’d love to hear about your conversations with legislators — your insights and stories inspire us all! Email our team at ncecf@buildthefoundation.org to share your successes!