Who We Are

WNC ECC is a coalition of early childhood-focused organizations, child care teachers, parents of young children, and advocates collaborating on policy advocacy to improve access to and quality of Early Childhood Care and Education programming in 18 western NC counties. WNC ECC collaborates with statewide organizations on shared policy interests and works to represent western counties’ priorities at the state level. The coalition supports local providers and families in building grassroots skills and leadership for these issues across the region.

Photo Credit: Verner Center For Early Learning

What Is Our Key Focus

Policy and funding for a robust child care landscape in western counties.  

• WNC parents can easily access affordable, trustworthy child care options that support their child’s development and learning.  

• Child care providers are financially stable - supported in meeting quality benchmarks and retaining great teachers.  

• Child care teachers are well paid early learning professionals.  

• Families with young children are provided the resources to support their health, development, and financial stability.  

What does WNC ECC do and why does it matter?  

• Provide two-way communication between policy experts and local child care teachers and parents of young children to understand the alignment of regional needs with policy and funding opportunities.  

• Increase awareness of North Carolina’s child care policy and funding process and increase advocacy skills/experience to better engage in decision making.  

• Build relationships with legislators, administrative staff, and county staff to increase awareness of child care issues and the impact they have at local levels.  

• Create a regionally and racially diverse network of nonprofit leaders, child care providers, parents, and business leaders that have a shared identity as champions of child care.  

• Develop/train leadership on child care policy from child care teachers and parents of young children to ensure those most impacted have the tools and opportunities to shape the future of child care.