Early Childhood Education & Development Committee Meeting | Feb. 3, 2026

Early Childhood Education Committee Meeting Recap: February 3, 2026

The Buncombe County Early Childhood Education & Development Committee convened on February 3, 2026, for a meeting focused on exploring new approaches to supporting young children and families. The session included introductions of committee members, a presentation by guest speaker Dr. Dan Worre, and extensive discussion centered around his book, "The Daycare Myth," which challenges conventional thinking about early childhood care. The meeting was primarily a discussion-based session aimed at sparking fresh perspectives on the current state of early childhood development in our community.

A core theme throughout the meeting was a critical examination of existing policies and resource allocation within Buncombe County's early childhood system. Committee members acknowledged ongoing challenges, including funding limitations and a need to optimize the use of current resources. Discussions highlighted the importance of understanding brain science and early childhood development, particularly during the prenatal to three-year-old period. Participants emphasized the crucial role of nurturing relationships and responsive interactions in a child's development, prompting consideration of how current policies might be outdated or misaligned with this understanding. The committee also addressed the financial realities faced by childcare providers, recognizing that many operate on narrow margins and struggle to attract and retain a well-compensated workforce.

The committee took one formal action: unanimously approving the minutes from their previous meeting held on January 6th. Beyond this, the primary focus was on laying groundwork for future action. Following Dr. Worre’s presentation, which emphasized the need to re-evaluate current policies and prioritize investment in a well-trained workforce, the committee agreed on several key next steps. These include continued reading and discussion of "The Daycare Myth" to further explore its insights, supporting Dr. Worre’s work on the Focused Investments project aimed at identifying and implementing effective resource allocation strategies, and preparing to launch a parent survey within the coming days. Beth and Stacey volunteered to participate in a social media video promoting this important parent survey, aiming to maximize participation. Finally, committee members were reminded of the upcoming February 20th deadline for fiscal year 2027 grant applications.

There were no public comments offered during this meeting. However, the discussions highlighted a clear desire among committee members to foster greater collaboration across organizations involved in early childhood development. Dr. Worre's remarks, coupled with the committee’s discussions, underscored a shared belief that early childhood development begins long before formal schooling and requires a more holistic approach.

These developments matter to Buncombe County residents because they signal a potential shift towards data-driven decision-making and community engagement in shaping early childhood programs. The upcoming parent survey, for example, will provide valuable insights into the needs and experiences of families, informing future policy decisions. The committee's focus on the Focused Investments project promises a more strategic and effective use of resources to support young children and their families. Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming parent survey when it launches, and to stay informed about future committee meetings as these important discussions continue.