NC S713

Appropriates $87.9 million for fiscal year 2021-2022, increasing to $154.7 million annually by 2025-2026 and thereafter, for the North Carolina Prekindergarten (NC Pre-K) program as ongoing above-base budget funding.

Increases NC Pre-K per-slot reimbursement rate by 3% for the 2021-2022 fiscal year based on average amounts paid per facility type in 2020-2021.

Appropriates $167.0 million for fiscal year 2021-2022, increasing by $20 million each year to $247.0 million by 2025-2026, then continuing at $267.0 million annually thereafter, for the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc.

Creates a refundable tax credit of $500 to $2,000 for eligible early education teachers and directors based on years of service (capped at 7+ years) and educational achievement credentials in early childhood education.

Tax credit for early education professionals is effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2022, and repeals effective January 1, 2026; appropriations become effective July 1, 2021.