Creating Opportunity: An Action Plan for Early Childhood Education

In 2013, Charlotte was ranked 50^th out of the nation's 50 largest cities with regard to upward mobility for its youth in a national economic mobility study. In response, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force was formed and after studying the issues, identified early care and education as its first determinant. The County Manager then convened a broad array of stakeholders as an Executive Committee to explore opportunities, challenges, and develop recommendations. The Early Learning Policy Group in partnership with Committee for Economic Development, the Public Policy Center of the Conference Board, was part of a team that facilitated meetings and conducted a county-wide poll to gauge public interest and will in ECE expansion for all children ages birth to five. The Creating Opportunity: An Action Plan for Early Childhood Education report presents the Executive Committee findings and recommendations, including data from the poll. The Implementation Progress Report provides an update on progress following the initial report and offers updated recommendations.