In a recent move to address North Carolina's child care crisis, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt stepped up to the challenge as the new Co-Chair of the Task Force on Child Care and Early Education established by Governor Josh Stein. During a visit to Kate's Korner Learning Center in Durham, the Lieutenant Governor, alongside Governor Stein, took a tour of the facility, engaged with child care providers, and spent precious moments in the classroom with the children.
According to a press release from the Lieutenant Governor's office, Hunt's appointment aims to spearhead efforts to ensure that "providers can keep their doors open, children can get the care they need and parents can get back to work." The Lieutenant Governor is set to share the co-chair responsibilities with Senator Jim Burgin. Hunt underscored the importance of the initiative, saying, "However, none of that matters if parents can’t go to work with peace of mind knowing their kids are safe and supported."
Investments in child care not only impact children's formative years but also have far-reaching effects on the economy and communities. Governor Stein reinforced this perspective, stating, "When we invest in child care, everyone benefits. Parents get to keep working and keep building their careers. Small businesses can keep their productive workers. And most importantly, our kids get a nurturing and supportive environment where they can thrive during their formative years, one that will shape their entire educational trajectory." The executive order aims to strengthen child care infrastructure and bolster the workforce to combat the challenges many parents face in finding affordable and reliable child care services.
The task force, comprised of experts and officials, is slated to meet bi-monthly, working diligently to submit reports and recommendations directly to the Governor's Office. Taking her role seriously, Lieutenant Governor Hunt is poised to draw upon her experiences from the State Board of Education and Community College Board to advocate for Future-Ready North Carolina — a policy platform focused on investment in early childhood education, workforce development, and ensuring children are career and college-ready.
