About Us
The Western NC Early Childhood Coalition (WNC ECC) supports a growing network of early childhood-focused organizations, child care providers, families with young children, business leaders, and advocates collaborating to advance public policies that improve access to quality Early Childhood Care and Education programming in 19 western North Carolina counties. For years, early education advocates in Western NC have met to share information and coordinate advocacy in the region. Over time these efforts coalesced into the WNC ECC in 2014. Since then, WNC ECC has grown our network of supporters across the mountain west to emphatically say: “YES on Child Care.”
Key Focus Points
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WNC parents can easily access affordable, trustworthy child care options that support their child’s development and learning.
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Child care providers are financially stable - supported in meeting quality benchmarks and retaining great teachers.
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Child care teachers are well paid early learning professionals.
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Families with young children are provided the resources to support their health, development, and financial stability.
Why Does it Matter?
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Provide two-way communication between policy experts and local child care teachers and parents of young children to understand the alignment of regional needs with policy and funding opportunities.
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Increase awareness of North Carolina’s child care policy and funding process and increase advocacy skills/experience to better engage in decision making.
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Build relationships with legislators, administrative staff, and county staff to increase awareness of child care issues and the impact they have at local levels.
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Create a regionally and racially diverse network of nonprofit leaders, child care providers, parents, and business leaders that have a shared identity as champions of child care.
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Develop/train leadership on child care policy from child care teachers and parents of young children to ensure those most impacted have the tools and opportunities to shape the future of child care.
Meet Our Team
I support our coalition by leading state-level advocacy and ensuring we have the talent and resources to uplift child care providers and families. Since 1992, I’ve worked in advocacy, inspired by mentors and community voices. Outside of work, I love writing and making music—something I’ve done since childhood.
828.423.0698
Greg Borom, Director
Rachel Shelton, Program Coordinator
I coordinate programs like the Budding Futures Forum and the Recover/Rebuild Policy Network at WNC ECC. I came to this work as a parent and educator struggling to find care for my two children, and I’m committed to ensuring all families have access to quality early education. I’ve lived in WNC my whole life and love spending time outdoors with my family or getting lost in a good book.
828.367.9152
Halee Hartley, Engagement Coordinator
I engage with WNC childcare providers to bring their stories into our work. Bridging gaps between providers and legislators is key work for me.Families having access to affordable and high quality early education begins with providers and is a top priority of mine. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, being at the lake with family or planting new plants in my garden.
828.964.8924