Long wait lists and high tuition are squeezing Charlotte families. Experts propose steady public funding, higher pay for early educators and employer partnerships to ease the crunch.

App State is running three free, accelerated Child Care Academies in Boone, Morganton and Hickory to train and certify new early-education staff. The short programs pair in-person sessions with online modules.

Mooresville police swapped patrol for shopping carts, taking 25 kids on a "Heroes & Helpers 2025" holiday spree at Target, sponsored by local organizations, aiming to foster community trust.