NC S593

Appropriates $30 million per year in nonrecurring funds for fiscal years 2025-2027 to establish a two-year statewide pilot program providing child care expansion assistance grants to child care workers

Eligible recipients must earn at or below 85% of State median income, work full-time (at least 32 hours per week) at a licensed child care center or family child care home, and include lead teachers, teachers, teacher assistants, and administrators

Division of Child Development and Early Education pays 75% of published tuition rates for up to two children per eligible staff member, while employers must cover at least 25%

Priority given to counties with highest unmet demand or longest wait lists for federally subsidized child care, with geographic diversity required across the state

Progress report due March 31, 2026 and final report by December 31, 2027, tracking participating programs, providers, new licensed slots created, and additional children served