Evolution of NC’s Early Care & Education System
1965
Federal Head Start created
1968
Statewide Network of 18 Developmental Evaluation Centers created for identification, evaluation, and treatment of infants, toddlers and preschoolers with special needs
1968
Department of Public Instruction pilots public school programs for preschool children with disabilities or delays
1970
General Assembly creates network of community-based centers to provide services,
research and training for children with autism (Division TEACCH)
1971
Child care licensing system created with minimal health and safety standards
Early 1980’s
Child service coordination system to identify and follow children at risk for disabilities developed
1986
Two-tiered license for child care centers (A,AA) developed
1987
State participates in the Infant/Toddler Program (Part H of IDEA) and the Preschool Grant Program (Part B, 619 of IDEA)
1990
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program created at local level
Large infusion of subsidy funds/FSA
1993
State and Local Interagency Coordinating Councils created
Head Start Collaboration Office created
Smart Start legislation passed, a Planning/Funding Initiative to ensure that all children arrive at school healthy and ready for success- First 18 counties selected (12 Partnerships formed)
Division of Child Development Created for better coordination of child care licensing and child care quality initiatives; Head Start Collaboration Director and Interagency Coordinating Council Director moved into Division of Child Development
Child Care Dependent Tax Credit expanded
1994
Child care licensing standards improved for infants/toddlers
1997
Five Star rated license created; Education standards adopted; Subsidy rates tied to star rating; Family child care homes included in licensing system
1999
100 counties receive Smart Start funding
2000
General Assembly assigns lead agency status of Early Intervention System to Division of Public Health and directs the Early Intervention Branch and the N.C. Interagency Coordinating Council to identify statewide strategies to better coordinate early intervention services at the local level
School Readiness Task Force’s report defines school readiness
2001
Early Intervention Design Plan submitted to General Assembly and Directed to Base All Future Changes to EI System on Plan
More at Four Pre-K Program created and funded
2002
NC General Assembly requires a report on overlap between state funded early childhood programs
More at Four funding expanded statewide
18 Regional Developmental Evaluation Centers become local lead agency for Early Intervention Services (through 2004)
2003
Child Care Resource and Referral System regionalized through Division of Child Development
Governance Committee convened with support of Trust for Early Education and More at Four Pre-K Program
2004
Regional interagency coordinating councils established as planning partners for the 18 children’s developmental services agencies
2005
Early Learning Standards (Foundations) developed
Office of School Readiness created