NC H886

Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education shall conduct a statewide study of four- and five-star child care facility operators not currently participating in the NC Pre-K program to identify their perceived challenges with becoming NC Pre-K sites.

Division shall also complete a county-by-county study of additional local challenges to program expansion.

Study findings shall be used to develop recommendations to address identified challenges, including potential changes to the State funding structure, with the goal of enrolling at least 75% of eligible children in the NC Pre-K program in each county.

Division shall submit a report with recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by February 1, 2020.

Act became effective upon approval on July 8, 2019.