About Us

In February 2010, Superintendent June Atkinson created NCDPI’s Office of Early Learning to implement a strategic focus on the Pre-K – Grade 3 learning continuum and its impact on high school graduation.   NCDPI’s focus on Pre-K through Grade 3 alignment of standards, curriculum, instructional practices and assessment maximizes learning gains for children throughout these early grades, providing a strong academic foundation that leads to improved high school graduation rates.

The Office of Early Learning:  

• Integrates  and oversees state and federal funding for academic pre-kindergarten programs, under the authority of the NC State Board of Education

• Aligns Pre-K – Grade 3 standards, curriculum, instruction and assessment, supports children’s social and emotional development, and promotes family engagement in their children’s education.

• Collaborates with District & School Transformation, K-12 Curriculum & Instruction, Exceptional Children, and Educator Recruitment & Development Divisions

Through the Office of Early Learning, NCDPI is also partnering with the FirstSchool Initiative of the FPG Child Development Institute.