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Providers warn losing local NC Pre-K supplements could shrink capacity
Summary
Speakers told the committee local supplements to NC Pre-K help private providers make slots viable and warned that reducing county support risks losing providers and pre-K capacity; one provider said a major provider dropped out when funding was uncertain.
The committee heard warnings that changes to local NC Pre-K enhancement funding could lead to program dropouts and reduced capacity among private providers. Rachel framed NC Pre-K enhancement as a continuation priority with substantial past use of county supplements to bridge gaps in state reimbursement.
"Centers are having a hard time making those slots work on just the state reimbursement," Caroline said, adding that local reimbursement "adds to that and actually helps to pay for the actual cost of care for each slot." Brian described an episode in which cuts to local support led to classroom closures at his program: "we closed 8 classrooms and are serving, 150 less children." Caroline also noted the county'administered supplements aim to make participation viable for private providers who otherwise would operate at a deficit.
Speakers urged the committee to consider eligibility rules to ensure equitable participation among different provider types and to weigh the tradeoffs of continuing, modifying, or scaling the supplement model rather than abruptly removing it.
