Publications

Making Early Care and Learning Affordable for Families

October 2022

Every year, tens of thousands of young children from low-income families benefit from North Carolina's early learning and care programs. This system supports the care, education, and healthy development of children living in poverty, prioritizing parental choice and children's individual needs. Unfortunately, due to funding rates & levels, the programs only reach a fraction of eligible children—putting child care and early learning out of reach for thousands of families who want to work and support their children. Learn about the various early care and learning programs that serve kids and families.

Understanding Legislative Advocacy for Children in North Carolina: A Guide to the General Assembly

September 2022

This tool empowers NC Child Child Advocacy Network (CAN) members by affording a greater understanding of the NC General Assembly, the legislative process, and the power brokers on Jones Street. Use these modules to educate yourself as an advocate in the civic engagement process on behalf of North Carolina children and their communities.

From Equity to Issue Campaigns: The Next Stop on the Road Map to Childhood Mental Health in North Carolina

June 2022

The EarlyWell Initiative is dedicated to identifying and advocating for solutions that build a working system to support all children’s mental health and development and allows them to thrive.

This report is designed to organize and categorize the problems and solutions identified by families and stakeholders over the last two years - building on our first report, "Lean In and Listen Up to Family Voices: A New Report to Strengthen Early Childhood Services."

2021 Impact Report

May 2022

When every child in North Carolina has the opportunity to thrive, we all benefit. As we look back at our impact in 2021, we are so grateful that you joined us as a voice for children in North Carolina.

Tooth Dismay

October 2021

Newly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services about children and pregnant adults enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program uncover the increased barriers to oral health care faced by people of color and people in rural parts of the state.

Issue Brief: Care for the Caregivers

October 2021

More than 1 in 5 children in North Carolina have special health care needs – including chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, and emotional conditions. For many parents, grandparents, and foster parents, caring for a child with special health care needs can be a full-time job. Unfortunately, that job is one that does not usually involve a salary or health benefits.

This issue brief from NC Child explores the role that affordable health insurance could play in supporting families of children with special health care needs.

Update for NC Child Supporters

June 2021

2020 was one of the toughest years for kids and families in recent history. Thanks to your support, NC Child pivoted quickly to focus on urgent and emerging needs. And your feedback continues to guide our policy priorities and legislative agenda. Here's an update on that important work.

Five Ways Closing North Carolina’s “Coverage Gap” Helps Kids

May 2021

State leaders have a huge opportunity to get affordable health care to hard-working, low-income families. Expanding Medicaid is a cost-effective solution that would bring coverage to more than 100,000 North Carolina parents with children at home.

The Role of School Nurses in Student Mental Health

May 2021

School nurses are on the front lines of protecting our children’s physical and mental health. They save school districts money by keeping teachers focused on education, and play a key role in ensuring students are well enough to thrive in the classroom.