Please complete the form linked below to request support from the Early Learning Consultant team. Once submitted, your zone’s early learning consultant will contact you within a few days to discuss further planning. You are welcome to reach out and discuss support prior to completing the form. However, this form streamlines requests and support provided in the field.

Topics may include: 

• pre-k literacy
• transition to pre-k and kindergarten
• pre-k assessment
• kindergarten entry assessment
• data analysis

Check Out Our Map

The Office of Early Learning currently has open Early Literacy Specialist (ELS) positions. Districts with ELS vacancies can be identified by red icons on our interactive map, which is linked below and also available in the fixed resources at the bottom of each memo. Please pass this information along to any qualified candidates.

Access Recordings, Resources, and PD

All districts in North Carolina are members of the District Summer Learning Network (DSLN) through the generous support of the Wallace Foundation. Led by FHI 360, DSLN provides technical assistance and professional development to help districts design summer learning programs that support students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs while promoting academic success. Districts are encouraged to take advantage of these free resources and upcoming professional learning opportunities to make their 2026 Reading Camp as impactful as possible.

Register NOW for These Upcoming Professional Development Sessions:

• Tuesday, December 16, 1-3 PM 
• Tuesday, January 13, 1-3 PM 
• Tuesday, February 24, 1-3 PM 
• Tuesday, March 31, 1-3 PM 

Access PD recordings and DSLN resources on the DSLN Hub. 

PD session recordings, slide decks, and materials are now available on the DSLN members-only page. But, good news, you're a member! Use the password: DSLNSummerlearning. If you need help with access, contact summerlearning@fhi360.org.

NC ELI data is useful when making data-informed decisions around supporting young learners and closing achievement gaps. The Office of Early Learning has developed a resource to support districts as they unpack NC ELI data and determine actionable next steps. This resource is very similar to the DIBELS data protocol that analyzes literacy assessment data. However, the NC ELI data protocol aims to support children's optimal development and learning across all domains. Links to blank copies and samples for district- and school-level protocols are included within the slide deck linked below.

Webinar - December 11 @ 3:30

The OEL Early Learning consultants in collaboration with Teaching Strategies invite kindergarten teachers to join this hands-on session designed to help uncover insights in ELI data by interpreting reports, identifying instructional opportunities, and making informed decisions that support every learner. Prior to joining the sessions teachers should generate their Class Profile and Development and Learning reports.

Get ready to join Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell for READBowl 2026, the 9th annual World Championship of Reading kicking off on January 12, 2026. Students across the globe will compete to log the most reading minutes. In addition to the national and state champions, great prizes will be awarded to the Top 25 NC Teams - including classroom libraries and copies of Malcolm's second children's book, My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World. The grand prize will be a personal visit from Malcolm himself.

Participation is free, and teams may include classrooms (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) as well as accredited after-school, community, or youth groups. Winners are announced on Super Bowl Sunday.

Please share with your schools and teachers and encourage them to register their students—let’s bring the national championship home to North Carolina! Sign up now and let’s READ, North Carolina!

Learn more about READBowl

Now Live!

The Finch Literacy Screener is live and ready for those opting to complete an Entry Screener! The Learn area within the Finch app features an opportunity to preview all components of the literacy screener prior to administering the assessment with children. This feature gives teachers an opportunity to read prompts and practice fictitious scoring.

Send Us Your Pics!

NC DPI OEL would love to feature pictures of your teachers and students engaging in learning experiences! Please share your photos with us! Email your photos to melissa.strickland@dpi.nc.gov, add the subject line: "RtA Photos" and tell us the name of your school and a little bit about what's going on in the image!