The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has launched a program to address staffing shortages in early care and education. In a press release, the “Child Care Academies” partner with 16 educational institutions to provide accelerated training for individuals pursuing careers in child care. Funded by a federal Preschool Development Grant, the academies offer training at no cost to participants. NCDHHS states the initiative is intended to support the child care workforce and provide access to early care for children across the state.
Michael Leighs, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being, stated in a press release that the Child Care Academies are designed to develop a “well-prepared workforce.” The programs provide free training for individuals pursuing careers in early care, while supporting families and access to child care. The initiative follows recommendations from the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education and is intended to support the state’s workforce by enabling more parents to participate in employment.
The Child Care Academy initiative includes a range of educational partners, from Appalachian State University to Wilson Community College. Each institution sets its own program schedule, with some programs having started in October and others planned to begin in January 2026. Prospective participants are advised to contact the admissions office of their chosen program for information on enrollment and start dates. Program lengths vary, but all are structured to meet or exceed North Carolina’s minimum standards for child care professionals.
The Child Care Academy programs offer a combination of virtual and in-person training to provide accessible instruction across the state. Candace Witherspoon, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education, emphasized the importance of well-prepared educators in early childhood settings. Participants receive training in areas including CPR and first aid, as well as identifying signs of child maltreatment. Completion of the program also includes certification in the required NCDHHS criminal background checks.
Individuals seeking more information about the Child Care Academies or careers in early childhood education are encouraged to contact one of the 16 participating colleges and universities. Additional details are available on the NCDHHS website or through local North Carolina community colleges.
