RALEIGH: Today at the Early Childhood Summit in Raleigh, Governor Roy Cooper will release the state’s 2019 NC Early Childhood Action Plan. The plan provides a framework to galvanize coordinated, statewide public-private action to achieve 10 measurable goals for young children that address health, safety, family resilience and learning outcomes. A public data dashboard tracking measurable targets for success will be launched as a companion to the plan.
“The foundation for future learning, health and well-being is built during early childhood,” Gov. Cooper said. “When we give children a fair chance for a strong foundation in their first years of life, we give them a better future and create healthier and more vibrant communities for all of us. That’s why I am asking all North Carolinians to support this Early Childhood Action Plan and commit today to taking action for our young children.”
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services led the development of the Early Childhood Action Plan in coordination with the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council as directed by an August 2018 Executive Order. Nearly 1,500 stakeholders, representing experts in early childhood, families from across the state and other leaders, provided input and feedback in drafting the plan.
“The department has had the honor of spearheading the development of the Early Childhood Action Plan with the support of the Early Childhood Advisory Council. Now we must take action to see it through,” said Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “Our department is committed to using every lever it has to realize the goals of the Early Childhood Action Plan, but we know this work is bigger than us. We look forward to working with families, policy makers, and our many partners to make this vision a reality.”
Early childhood experts from across the state gathered in Raleigh today for the NC Early Childhood Summit. Speakers include Governor Cooper, former Governor James B. Hunt Jr., DHHS Secretary Cohen, First Lady Kristin Cooper, and a keynote address by Dr. Jack P. Shonkoff, founding director of the Harvard Center on the Developing Child. Speakers and panels will introduce the vision, goals, measures and strategies in the Early Childhood Action Plan.
For those who cannot be there in person, the summit is available on-air via the North Carolina Channel or via livestreaming online by visiting ncchannel.org, provided by UNC-TV. Coverage will run 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information about the Early Childhood Action Plan visit ncdhhs.gov/early-childhood.