A recent report on the quality of preschool programs says North Carolina is one of only four states in the nation to meet all benchmarks for standards set by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER).
The quality standards include items such as the level of teachers’ education to monitoring requirements and providing a staff-to-child ratio of one-to-nine, among others.
State funding has been essential in being able to maintain high standards, according to Pre-Kindergarten program directors for both the Craven and Pamlico County Schools.
“Hopefully, our state leaders will again place a priority on early childhood education and increase funding for N.C.’s Pre-Kindergarten program,” said Director Renee Harrell of Craven County Schools.
It should be noted that the state’s Pre-K program serves “at-risk 4-year-olds from low-income families who have not participated in other early childhood programs,” according to information provided by NIEER. Children defined as “at-risk” include those with a developmental delay or identified disability, coming from a family with an income at or below 75 percent of the state median income, chronic health condition or limited English proficiency, the report states. Children of active military members also qualify.
North Carolina has met all the standards since 2006, the release says. The state ranks 24th among states with programs in access for 4-year-olds and 14th for spending per child.
Director Virginia Simmons of Pamlico County Schools said that collaboration between both school districts along with Coastal Community Child Development Centers has been crucial to providing quality early education.
“In order for this to work, we have to work together,” she said. “This school year, we were able to buy a revised curriculum, which includes a great literacy program. Another key component is that the local district has a regional consultant, a licensing consultant and great state support, as well as the support of parents.”
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