Author: Gretchen Kalar
Rebecca Planchard, DHHS’ Senior Early Childhood Policy Advisor, discusses the Early Childhood Action Plan at the North Carolina Public Health Leaders Conference.
Feb. 5, 2019 – More than 1,500 people from across the state have provided feedback on the North Carolina Early Childhood Action Plan, providing valuable input as the plan was drafted. The plan will be finalized and is expected to be shared with the public at the end of February.
The Early Childhood Action Plan focuses on improving outcomes related to the health, safety and well-being, and developmental and academic readiness for children from birth to age eight. The plan sets targeted goals to ensure the state’s 1.1 million children from birth to age 8 will be healthy, safe and nurtured, learning and ready to succeed.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Early Childhood Advisory Council, was directed by Governor Roy Cooper to develop the plan through an executive order issued in August. A draft of the plan was posted online and shared widely to allow the public an opportunity to comment.
From Nov. 1 to Dec. 21, DHHS received over 500 online comments about the framework, vision and guiding principles of the plan. During that time, DHHS received additional feedback through weekly webinars and over 30 presentations across the state about the draft plan.
A diverse group of North Carolinians provided input, including parents, families, healthcare providers, child care providers, educators, school administrators, child advocacy groups and researchers.
DHHS is working diligently to review and incorporate that feedback into the plan.
“We received great input and ideas we can incorporate to make the plan even stronger,” said Rebecca Planchard, DHHS’ Senior Early Childhood Policy Advisor. “The input we received is vital to understanding what is working and what we need to do differently for young children in North Carolina. We appreciate everyone who took the time to tune in, write us or speak out.”
The plan is expected to be launched in late February. For more information about the Early Childhood Action Plan and the department’s ongoing commitment to early childhood, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/early-childhood.