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
Child care shortage strains New Hanover County families, economy
WECT | jANUARY 15, 2026
Child care challenges in New Hanover County are affecting families and the local economy as demand far exceeds available spaces.
Letter: Child care funding is important for economy
Mountain Xpress | jANUARY 17, 2026
Young parents are least able to afford that cost, yet we want and need that young talent to keep our community healthy and vibrant.
North Carolina has record net loss of licensed child care programs since mid-2023
EdNC | jANUARY 27, 2026
North Carolina has had a net loss of 367 licensed child care programs since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Carolina Resources & News
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