Together we can achieve a bold vision…

Each North Carolina child has a strong foundation for life-long health, education, and well-being, supported by a comprehensive and equitable care and education system, from prenatal through third grade.
Photo of school kids reading and playing

Pathways Action Map

The Pathways Action Map is a tool that can be used to drive action. Action that ensures every child in North Carolina is on the path to reading on grade level by the end of third grade.

Is Your Workplace Family Forward? Get Certified.

Employers across North Carolina want to attract and retain the best employees, and they want those employees to be happy and healthy. Our Family Forward NC Employer Certification designates employers that offer policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and children.

How We Do Our Work

We work to promote understanding, spearhead collaboration, and advance policies to ensure each North Carolina child is on track for lifelong success by the end of third grade. Much of this work happens through our initiatives:

 

Learn More

Supporting Children’s Optimal Development

Each child can have the opportunity to be on track by third grade with aligned policies and practices rooted in child development, including health and development on track beginning at birth, supported and supportive families and communities, and high-quality birth through third grade learning environments with regular attendance. Learn about the issues that support children’s optimal development beginning at birth.

Learn More

Partner With Us

Learn How

Latest News

State Decision Makers are Critical to Reducing Preschool Expulsions

Increasing funding for child mental health programs is keyEvery child deserves an equal opportunity to thrive in early education, yet far too many are unjustly excluded from these formative learning environments. When young children are expelled from childcare and…

Understanding Disruptive Behavior Helps Keep Kids in the Classroom

Getting the tools to prevent and respond to challenging behaviors effectively can reduce and eventually eliminate early childhood suspensionsTop TakeawaysChildren most likely to be removed from preschool classrooms are: ✔️Boys ✔️With a disability or special health care need,…

NCECF Welcomes Five New Board Members

Meet Dr. Virginia Watson Adams, Christopher Chung, Dr. Paul Lanier, Cecelia Thompson, and Dr. Tiffani Jones The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF) is excited to welcome five new members to our board of directors. These new members represent diverse…
More News