Governor Cooper Recognizes Building Bright Futures at Little People Preschool on Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

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On Friday, May 12, 2023, NC Governor Roy Cooper and NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Secretary Kody Kinsley visited Little People Preschool in Raleigh in celebration of Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. As a part of the visit, they discussed the importance of investing in quality child care options for North Carolina’s workforce. Governor Cooper’s Proclamation recognized that North Carolina's high-quality early care and learning network makes it possible for parents to work, and employers to hire, while giving young children a strong foundation to learn and thrive. 

Governor Cooper also announced the Building Bright Futures (BBF) early childhood education pre-apprenticeship-to-apprenticeship program. This program is a partnership between the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to pilot new pathways for entering the early childhood profession. Pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships offer a buildable framework for educational and career progress, and BBF will be a key resource for educators, students, and employers who want to be part of this pilot program. 

“North Carolina’s children, families, and businesses need more early childhood education and care options, and Building Bright Futures is an innovative solution to increase access,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “By supporting and encouraging students to enter the early childhood profession, we’ll help make sure more families and employers have the quality child care they need to thrive.” 

“We need continued investments in the child care workforce to give parents the security they need and children the high-quality early learning that is critical for their success in school and life,” said Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “Programs like Building Bright Futures leverage the state’s commitment to building a high-quality early care and learning network that helps families raise capable children and build a stronger North Carolina.”

Caroline Sullivan, NCBCE’s Executive Director, shared the progress BBF is already making, recognizing Morgan Ford, Program Director, and Megan Johnson, Program Manager, who are leading the Building Bright Futures efforts. 
“NCBCE is delighted to be partnering in the important work of helping to build the pipeline of early childhood educators, and giving them the tools they need for long-term career success.” 

Ms. Sullivan also emphasized the impact BBF will have on elevating the early childhood workforce in NC. “Through [Building Bright Futures], we are supporting early childhood teachers to continue their education and provide them with mentorship, professional development, and enrichment opportunities,” shared Ms. Sullivan. “We are partnering with child care programs to support their apprentices’ work-based learning and to provide training and supplements for mentor teachers.”  

Shawnonne Pickett, Director and Owner of Little People Preschool, then warmly welcomed Governor Cooper and Secretary Kinsley, state and local officials, parents, staff, and community members. Little People Preschool is just one of the providers across the state that is signing up to be part of this valuable experience. Ms. Pickett spoke passionately about her program, the children, and the dedication and unwavering support of her teachers, especially during the pandemic. As a center that already hosts high school and community college students studying early childhood education, Ms. Pickett understands how pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships are a valuable talent acquisition strategy for employers, but also an inspiring and meaningful experience for the students and her educators.

Building Bright Futures offers a variety of benefits to participating early child care providers and students including mentorship, professional development, career awareness, and other enrichment activities. BBF also provides monetary support for transportation, books, and materials, a 50% wage match reimbursement to providers for paid work-based learning hours, and other items and services. 

BBF is partnering with local school districts, community colleges, and child care providers to inform best practices for scaling BBF across the state. NCBCE is also working closely with ApprenticeshipNC to register apprentices for this initiative.
Child Care Provider Appreciation Day is celebrated every year to recognize child care providers, teachers, and other educators of young children everywhere. This day is an opportunity to show our state’s gratitude for those who support the social, emotional, and physical care of our youngest children.