North Carolina Task Force Unveils Strategies for Improving Child Care Accessibility
In a bid to tackle the pressing issue of child care affordability and availability, North Carolina has unveiled a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at improving access to child care across the state. The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, under the leadership of Governor Josh Stein, has released its 2025 year-end report outlining these strategic initiatives.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the critical need for this initiative, stating, “Too many families in our state can’t afford to work because child care is expensive and in short supply.” He expressed optimism in collaborating with leaders from various sectors to implement the recommendations, highlighting the mutual benefits for parents, children, and employers alike.
Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, co-chair of the task force alongside Senator Jim Burgin (NC-12), pointed out the financial strain child care places on families, noting, “Right now, everything feels more expensive for families, and child care is one of the biggest costs they’re trying to manage.” She reiterated the task force’s commitment to advocating for child care as an essential support for working families.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley and Senator Jim Burgin also stressed the importance of child care in sustaining North Carolina’s workforce and economic growth. Lilley stated, “Child care access is critical to ensuring skilled, talented North Carolinians can work,” while Burgin underscored the need for continued investment in early education.
Established by Governor Stein through Executive Order No. 10, the task force has worked extensively since March 2025, engaging various experts and stakeholders to address issues such as child care finance and workforce support.
Key Recommendations
- Setting a baseline for child care subsidy reimbursement rates across the state.
- Introducing non-salary benefits for child care professionals.
- Forming partnerships with educational institutions to enhance child care access for public sector employees and students.
- Offering subsidized or complimentary child care for child care educators.
- Integrating existing programs to enhance workforce compensation and support for early childhood professionals.
- Considering the establishment of a child care endowment.
The task force’s work groups are actively developing action plans to implement these recommendations, with future meetings set to explore funding strategies and innovative child care solutions.
As the task force continues its efforts, it calls on the North Carolina General Assembly to prioritize investments in child care and early education. The full December 2025 report is available here.
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