Early Childhood Education and Development Fund Buncombe County’s investments in early childhood care and education.
Buncombe County has established an Early Childhood Education and Development Fund for the purpose of advancing the strategic priority to ensure that every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days, including access to quality early childhood education. This fund was established on October 30, 2018 by the Board of Commissioners in their adoption of Resolution #18-10-16.
The Board of Commissioners has identified the following goals related to this priority: Collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders for a coordinated system approach; Increase the availability of high-quality early childhood care and education with an emphasis on preschool and pre-k programs; Address issues of affordability, both for providers in a sustainable business model and for families in access to care; Support a robust career track in the field of early education, with development ladders from entry level to highly educated, credentialed, seasoned professionals; and Cultivate a system that responds to the needs of families, such as those impacted by trauma, poverty and addiction.
Funding will be allocated for the following purposes: Creating new classrooms to serve more children in early care and education settings; Implementing workforce development strategies to recruit and retain qualified teachers; Supporting strategies for scaling up effective programs; and Providing support services for children and families enrolled in early care and education programs.
Buncombe County is forming an Early Childhood and Development Committee for the purpose of engaging with community partners, soliciting public input and making policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Education and Development Fund. Note: Visit the Buncombe County’s Boards and Commissions website for more information about the committee, including membership and meeting information.
The Early Childhood Education and Development Committee is currently engaging with the public and defining plans and collaborative opportunities to enhance outcomes for young children and their families in our community. Note: The first round of grant awards are anticipated to be made for fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020). A specific timeline is anticipated to be released in spring 2019.