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Title
Durham PreK Update (45 Minutes)
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Date Of BOCC Meeting: February 26, 2026
Request For Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to receive an update and ask questions regarding Durham PreK during fiscal year 2025-2026 and its impact in Durham County.
Durham PreK, through which Durham is moving towards a goal of high-quality universal pre-k for all 4-year-olds, began in earnest and under the leadership of Early Years (formerly CCSA) in the fall of 2019. The other key partners in this collaborative model are Durham's Partnership for Children (who administers NC Pre-K), Durham Public Schools, and Families and Communities Rising (who administers Head Start). The program is now in its seventh year and uses a braided funding model to maximize the impact of public dollars via a mixed delivery system where children are served in programs in the public schools, at Head Start, and at private childcare sites. In Durham County, the primary contract with Early Years for Durham PreK administration is supported and coordinated through Cooperative Extension with the leadership of the County Early Childhood Coordinator.
This report is intended to provide a broader update on student achievement and recent decision making by Durham PreK Governance. It will also discuss progress and barriers toward universality and raise system-wide issues and needs.
Alignment With Strategic Plan: A robust ecosystem of early childhood programs, including universal Pre-K aligns with DCo Forward Empowered Community (EC 1a, EC 1b, EC 1c, EC 2a, EC 2c) and Healthy and Inclusive Community (HI 1b, HI 1d, HI 2a, HI 2c) focus areas.
Resource Persons: Ileana Vink, Durham County Early Childhood Coordinator; Donna Rewalt, Durham County Cooperative Extension Director; Linda Chappel, Early Years.
County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board receive an update on County-funded Durham PreK during fiscal year 2025-2026 and its impact in Durham Coun...
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