MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Director of Child Development and Early Education, Ariel Ford will participate in two upcoming child care forums in North Carolina. The events seek to raise awareness to the child care crisis in the state and the need for more child care opportunities in North Carolina which support children’s healthy development and learning, allow parents to work and keep businesses running.
Last year, 278 child care facilities closed in North Carolina and the demand for child care far surpasses the supply. A recent survey of North Carolina child care programs from the National Association for the Education of Young Children shows 60% of facilities are reporting a staffing shortage and 55% are under-enrolled due to the lack of staff. Rural counties in North Carolina are disproportionately impacted.
The child care forums are hosted by Representative Frank Sossamon. NCDHHS, Smart Start, Henderson-Vance and Granville Chambers of Commerce, Childcare Services Association, local child care centers and others participating. Credentialed media is invited to attend and film.
WHAT: Child Care Forum, Hosted by Rep. Frank Sossamon
WHO: Ariel Ford, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Child Development and Early Education
WHEN: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
1-2:30 p.m. Session for Potential Child Care Sites
6-7:30 p.m. Session for General Public
WHERE: Perry Memorial Library
205 Breckenridge St.
Henderson, NC 27536
WHAT: Child Care Forum, Hosted by Rep. Frank Sossamon
WHO: Ariel Ford, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Child Development and Early Education
WHEN: Thursday, May 23, 2024
1-2:30 p.m. Session for Potential Child Care Sites
6-7:30 p.m. Session for General Public
WHERE: The Grand at Oxford Days Inn & Suites
913 Martin Luther King Jr., Ave.
Oxford, NC 27565