Sen. Kennedy files bill in North Carolina Senate to expand early childhood education

A new bill filed by Sen. Kennedy seeks to enhance early childhood education and childcare support through comprehensive policies and investments across North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 647 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘The Child Promise Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill, named The Child Promise Act, seeks to enhance early childhood education and childcare infrastructure in North Carolina through comprehensive policies and investments. It appropriates $90.25 million from the General Fund for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to expand the NC Pre-K program, adding 10,000 slots over three years. Additional funding is allocated from various sources for grants to childcare facilities, after school programs, and professional development initiatives for childcare workers. The bill proposes scaled childcare subsidies based on income, a universal Pre-K pilot program in select counties, and other measures to support working families. It includes initiatives for retention bonuses, mentorship programs, and public-private partnerships to construct and renovate childcare facilities. The act also addresses standards for inspection, subsidy eligibility criteria, educator pay enhancements, and provides pathways such as apprenticeships and scholarships for those entering the childcare profession. The legislation becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Terence Everitt proposed the most bills (50) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Garrett graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2007 with a BSBA.

Garrett, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 27th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Trudy Wade.