NCDHHS Implements Child Care Academies to Address Early Care and Learning Crisis
By Marge | Published 2025-12-06T19:20:52.108+00:00
News
NCDHHS -- Press Release December 3, 2025: To address the severe staffing shortage that is a key contributor to the state’s child care crisis, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is partnering with 16 North Carolina institutions of higher learning to establish "Child Care Academies," a shortened intensive training and certification that prepares participants for careers in child care at no cost to them
This workforce initiative is funded by the Division of Child Development and Early Education using funds from a federal Preschool Development Grant."North Carolina’s early learning system depends on a strong, well-prepared workforce, and the Child Care Academies are designed to meet that need head on," said NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being Michael Leighs. "By providing free high-quality training, we’re opening doors for new educators while supporting families and ensuring c