County updates board on Early Childhood Action Plan, Durham Pre‑K outcomes and funding gap

County extension and early childhood staff presented the Durham Early Childhood Action Plan (ECAP) implementation report on May 4, highlighting community‑partner investments and outcomes for Durham Pre‑K and other programs.

Staff said Durham Pre‑K continues to reach about 42% of children (with utilization up to 92% in aggregate seats as of March in some sites) and that more than 90% of participating children are at or exceeding developmental expectations at the end of the program year. County‑funded ECAP implementation contracts supported a diaper distribution program, early‑literacy initiatives, postpartum/parent supports and trauma‑informed early relational health work.

Presenters emphasized continuing needs: staff cited data showing about 40% of families with young children fall below 200% of the federal poverty level, rising childcare costs (infant care averages reported at $1,319/month), and workforce and capacity pressures in family childcare homes. Commissioners discussed downstream impacts on third‑grade reading proficiency and truancy, and asked staff to coordinate further with Durham Public Schools to improve continuity and wraparound services (transportation, aftercare) that can increase program effectiveness.

Commissioner Jacobs and others urged the board to preserve and fund Durham Pre‑K and other core investments; staff noted an estimated $1.9 million needed in the upcoming budget to maintain current Pre‑K reach and quality. Staff recommended continuing to use ECAP as a leverage tool for partnerships and private funding and to pursue workforce development to increase teacher supply and retention.