RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A new 21-minute documentary called Take Care North Carolina is shedding light on the challenges of early childhood education in the state. It is shining a light on the quality of childcare and how this crisis is hurting everyone, including children, childcare teachers, families, and our economy.
“I think we have to be more strategic about our investments and look at long-term solutions so we can make sure we have a strong foundation for our childcare businesses to sustain,” said Candance Witherspoon, Acting Division Director of Child Development and Early Education.
Educators say recruiting good talent is only possible for centers with better salary funding.
“It’s an average of about 12 dollars an hour,” said Leaf Spring Schools Director Rhonda Rivers.
She, along with other directors, watched the premiere of the documentary Wednesday night in Raleigh, which showcases the hard truths of recruitment and retaining good educators.
“There are so many people with different level degrees, but they’re leaving the profession for better-paying jobs,” said Little Believer’s Academy Director Cassandra Brooks.