North Carolina Child Care Academies
North Carolina Child Care Academies supports community colleges and UNC System universities in establishing and running academies that deliver training to expand the state's early childhood workforce.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Due Dates: November 18, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Optional intent to apply) | December 1, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Application)
Funding Amounts: Maximum $50,000 for up to six months; stated funding period January 15, 2027–July 31, 2027
Summary: Supports Child Care Academies at North Carolina community colleges and UNC System universities to expand the early childhood workforce.
Key Information: Only North Carolina Community Colleges and universities within the UNC System may apply.
Description
The North Carolina Child Care Academies program supports the establishment of academies to expand the state's early childhood workforce. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services administers the opportunity through its Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), with academies delivered through North Carolina Community Colleges and universities within the University of North Carolina System.
Funded by the Preschool Development Grant Birth-Through Five (PDG B-5), the program supports academy administration and curriculum delivery. The academy model connects workforce expansion with the state's training and quality framework: curricula must meet DCDEE training standards and align with the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
