North Carolina
Working families in North Carolina need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in North Carolina. But too many working families in North Carolina are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the North Carolina economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 708k children ages 5 and under in North Carolina – 63% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in North Carolina is around $12,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 15% of eligible families. This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.
On average, child care providers in North Carolina earn just $29,100 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
North Carolina’s economy loses $3.5B annually due to child care challenges
North Carolina: In The Headlines
Opinion: What happens when a community loses its only licensed child care program
EdNC | oCTOBER 2, 2025
“Suddenly losing child care is an emergency for any working parent, anywhere in North Carolina. But for families on Hatteras Island, this situation is especially dire because my children’s program is the only licensed child care center on the island.”
“Distraught and pissed off”: Businesses, providers sound alarm over cracks in NC child care industry
NC Newsline | oCTOBER 7, 2025
On average, there is only one licensed child care slot available for every five families who need one in North Carolina.
Licensed Child Care Homes Continue to Disappear After End of Stabilization Grants
The 74 | September 23, 2025
In rural areas with less population density, home-based care is more practical than centers.
North Carolina Resources & News
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