This week, the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is releasing $67.5 million in stop gap funding to stabilize North Carolina’s early childhood education and child care centers, the last scheduled payment of Child Care Stabilization Grants. Initiated in 2021, Child Care Stabilization Grants have been critical in keeping child care centers open and improving early childhood teacher pay. Earlier this year, the Republican-led General Assembly provided the $67.5 million to continue Child Care Stabilization Grants through December 31, 2024, however at a reduced funding