NC S647

$90.25 million appropriated to expand NC Pre-K by 10,000 slots over three years for children at or below 300% of federal poverty level, with all sites required to maintain 4- or 5-star ratings

$6.8 million annually funds grants for childcare facilities in underserved census tracts (child-to-provider ratio exceeds 3:1), with grants ranging from $50,000 for family homes to $500,000 for facilities serving 75+ children

Childcare subsidy eligibility expanded to 300% of federal poverty level for children ages 0-5, with a sliding scale reducing subsidies for families earning 200-300% FPL; families pay 7% of gross income for care

$9 million annually expands T.E.A.C.H. scholarships covering 80% of costs for childcare worker education (up to $6,000 for bachelor's degrees), plus annual compensation supplements of $2,000-$6,500 based on educator credentials

Establishes retention bonuses for childcare workers ($1,000-$10,000 based on years of service), a universal Pre-K pilot program in 5 counties, and 12 regional hub-and-spoke support networks for family childcare providers