The North Carolina Early Childhood Action Plan outlines a cohesive vision, sets benchmarks for impact by the year 2025, and establishes shared stakeholder accountability to achieve statewide goals for young children from birth through age 8.

The plan centers on three themes: that North Carolina’s young children are healthy, grow up safe and nurtured, and are well-supported to be learning and ready to succeed. It presents a bold vision, focusing on improving outcomes related to children’s health, safety and well-being, and developmental and academic readiness.

The plan provides a framework for galvanizing coordinated action across public and private stakeholders throughout North Carolina and centers around making measurable changes in early childhood outcomes. It includes 10 data-informed goals and will continue to grow and develop over time.

Work on drafting the plan began in August 2018, when Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order that directed DHHS to develop the plan.

DHHS worked extensively with over 350 stakeholders from across the state to develop the Early Childhood Action Plan, including the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC). More than 1,500 people provided feedback on the plan, providing valuable input as the plan was drafted.

Early Childhood Action Plan 2024 Update
Early Childhood Action Plan (2019)
Early Childhood Action Plan Executive Summary
Early Childhood Action Plan At-A-Glance
Early Childhood Action Plan Overview
Early Childhood Action Plan Webinars