# Early Childhood Education & Development Committee | March 10, 2026

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Early Childhood and Development Committee
**Date:** March 9, 2026 8:00 PM EDT (2026-03-09T20:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1801

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Buncombe County Early Childhood and Development Committee convened on March 10, 2026, to advance the development of a future-state vision for early childhood education and development within the county. The primary focus of the session was strategic planning rather than immediate operational decisions. The committee distinguished between the current grant review process and long-term funding strategies, aiming to refine approaches that ensure equitable access and allow all children to thrive. No formal votes or binding decisions were taken during this meeting; the session served as a forum for exploration, stakeholder input, and the identification of systemic challenges.

**Key Discussions and Strategic Directions**
Committee members engaged in extensive dialogue regarding the structural and operational barriers facing early childhood education in Buncombe County. Key discussion points included the need to address workforce crises, such as low wages, high turnover rates (noted as up to 40% for infant and toddler teachers), and difficulties in attracting staff due to the local cost of living and housing shortages. The committee also debated the structure of the delivery system, highlighting concerns about fragmented funding "silos" and the potential risks of co-locating childcare in public school buildings, referencing negative outcomes observed in California’s experience. Additionally, members discussed the importance of balancing support for private and community-based providers with potential expansions into public school systems, while acknowledging the existence of childcare deserts even in affluent areas.

**Community Input and Stakeholder Perspectives**
Public comment was received from several community stakeholders. Amy Berry, Executive Director of the Buncombe Partnership for Children, provided detailed testimony outlining critical challenges, including low teacher wages, high staff turnover, a lack of access for children with special needs, and rising social-emotional behavioral issues. Corey Price, Director of Evolve Early Learning, expressed gratitude for the committee’s work and emphasized the importance of continued support. An anonymous commenter raised specific concerns regarding regulatory differences between K-12 education and early childhood providers. Furthermore, a representative from an independent school highlighted their agility in adapting to research, particularly regarding AI integration, and advocated for greater inclusion of independent schools in funding opportunities.

**Follow-Up Actions and Next Steps**
The committee outlined specific next steps to move the strategic planning process forward. Members agreed to continue categorizing a list of ideas generated from previous conversations by cost, complexity, and implementation considerations, with the goal of narrowing down these options by May. Angela will continue taking notes throughout the ongoing process. Rachel is tasked with conducting research to inform future discussions and will present her findings at the May meeting, including receiving a recommended data source from an anonymous commenter. The April meeting is scheduled to be dedicated exclusively to the current grant-making process. Additionally, committee members were encouraged to schedule informal "coffee meetings" to brainstorm ideas and discuss potential strategies.

**Impact on Residents**
This meeting is significant for residents as it marks a shift from immediate grant distribution to a broader, long-term strategic vision for early childhood services. By identifying systemic issues such as workforce retention, affordability, and geographic access, the committee is laying the groundwork for potential policy changes that could affect the availability and quality of childcare across Buncombe County. The focus on "equal opportunity to thrive" suggests future funding strategies may prioritize affordability and access to enriching resources for families, particularly in rural and mountainous areas currently identified as having limited service access. The ongoing dialogue ensures that resident concerns regarding workforce stability and inclusive access for children with special needs remain central to the county’s educational planning.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FIncZNQ5q0
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1300/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FIncZNQ5q0)