Early Childhood Education & Development Committee Meeting | June 2, 2026

The Buncombe County Early Childhood Education & Development Committee met on June 2, 2026, to discuss ongoing membership changes and to focus on refining their investment approach for early childhood education funding. The committee reviewed and affirmed a set of six funding priorities, including expanding infant and toddler care slots, workforce development programs, NC Pre-K enhancements, and innovation grants. They discussed the challenges of funding adequacy, workforce compensation, and the importance of targeting resources to high-need children and families. The committee also considered the potential use of grant awards and requests for proposals to allocate funds, emphasizing the need for outcome evaluation and integrated strategies. Public comments highlighted significant local funding losses impacting Head Start programs, underscoring the urgency of sustaining and expanding quality early childhood services. The committee plans to engage grantees and applicants in August to gather further input before finalizing funding decisions.