On Friday, March 14th, 2025, the WNC Health Policy Initiative (a project of the NC Center for Health and Wellness at UNC Asheville), in partnership with the WNC Early Childhood Coalition, YMCA of WNC, and Verner Center for Early Learning, hosted a legislative summit on the University’s campus to highlight the importance of developing long-term, sustainable investments and solutions in childcare, both for our region and across the state.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina faces not only the physical and economic challenges of recovery, but also the pressing need for a renewed focus on the state’s already strained early childhood education infrastructure. Childcare teachers are the workforce behind the workforce, enabling families to return to work, businesses to reopen, and vital services to resume. As communities rebuild, it is essential that legislators prioritize policies that strengthen childcare resources to support families’ and businesses’ recovery in Western North Carolina and ensure statewide economic stability and growth.

North Carolina is facing a childcare crisis, with limited access, high costs, and workforce shortages impacting families and the economy. NC's childcare gap contributes to a $5 billion annual economic loss, affecting workforce participation and local revenue. Solutions like stabilization grants and public-private partnerships are helping, but long-term investment is needed for sustainable results.

Identifying and implementing a long-term plan to create a sustainable, well-funded child care system in North Carolina is critical to avoiding the severe negative impacts that losing this critical infrastructure would create, and is a priority focus area for the WNC Health Policy Initiative.

The WNC Early Childhood Coalition, a key partner in the WNC HPI’s Early Childhood Education workgroup, has launched their Yes On Child Care campaign to boost awareness of these issues and to provide opportunities for engagement and advocacy.