On September 25, 2017, ncIMPACT hosted the first in a series of “data deep dives” on policy topics of interest to local leaders across North Carolina, which we titled “Thinking Big for Small People.” The topic for the day was pre-kindergarten (or “pre-K”) programs for four-year-olds — specifically, what scientific research and other data tell us about pre-K’s effects on young learners. This followed the General Assembly’s decision to appropriate funds for additional NC Pre-K slots in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

Sponsored by the ChildTrust Foundation, our partners and presenting experts included the NC Association of County Commissioners, the NC School Boards Association, UNC’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues, Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy, and the NC Early Childhood Foundation. Attendees included county commissioners, school board members, and pre-K practitioners. Click here and select the “Materials” tab for the program agenda, speaker presentations, and other electronic materials. Finally, see below for photos from the event.