NC S726

Appropriates funds to the NC Prekindergarten program for five fiscal years (2018-2019 through 2022-2023), with amounts ranging from $87.9 million to $154.7 million annually, and continues funding at $154.7 million annually thereafter.

Increases the per-slot reimbursement rate for the NC Prekindergarten program by 3% for the 2018-2019 fiscal year based on average amounts paid per facility type in 2017-2018.

Appropriates $167 million to $247 million annually for five years to the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., increasing by $20 million total, with continued funding at $267 million annually thereafter.

Creates a tax credit for eligible early education teachers and directors based on years of service (up to $2,000) and educational achievement (up to $2,000), with credits allowed through December 31, 2022.

Makes the credit refundable if it exceeds the taxpayer's income tax liability, and establishes effective dates of July 1, 2018 for appropriations and January 1, 2019 for the tax credit.