NC S456

Appropriates $250,000 in nonrecurring funds for each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education.

Establishes a two-year child development associate apprenticeship pilot program to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators through on-the-job learning, one-on-one mentorship, and classroom-based technical instruction that may result in college credit.

Requires implementation in at least two child development centers—one in the Piedmont region and one in the Eastern region—with the goal of establishing best practices for statewide expansion.

Directs the Division to consider coordinating with the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., to implement the program.

Requires progress reports to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by December 31 of each year the program operates, with a final report due December 31, 2023.