Supporting Change and Reform in the Preparation of Teachers in North Carolina (SCRIPT-NC), under the leadership of FPG Senior Technical Assistance Specialists Chih-Ing Lim, PhD, and Camille Catlett, MA, has garnered an Associate Degree Preservice Program Improvement Grant to Support Personnel Working with Young Children with Disabilities (CFDA number 84.325N) from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. This significant funding will enable SCRIPT-NC to further its collaborative efforts with community colleges, ensuring that early childhood professionals are confident and competent in working with young children with disabilities and intersecting identities.

In its third iteration, SCRIPT-NC is expanding its transformative initiatives across the community college landscape in North Carolina, with a particularly attentive focus on minority serving institutions (MSIs). The overarching mission remains steadfast: to enhance early childhood coursework and practica experiences, thereby empowering early childhood educators to create inclusive and equitable learning environments that cater to every child and family within their communities. This mission takes a special emphasis on children with disabilities and other multiple and intersecting identities.

"Over the next five years, our project will continue to revolutionize how we deliver intensive technical assistance, alongside professional development opportunities, for faculty members, supervising teachers, and community stakeholders." says Chih-Ing Lim.

Chih-Ing Lim, Principal Investigator and Co-Director of SCRIPT-NC, expressed her gratitude and excitement, stating, "Over the next five years, our project will continue to revolutionize how we deliver intensive technical assistance, alongside professional development opportunities, for faculty members, supervising teachers, and community stakeholders. We are also thrilled to welcome FPG Technical Assistance Specialists Jessica Amsbary, PhD, and Hsiu-wen Yang, PhD, two early career investigators, who are joining our team, as well as consultant Sharon Little, whose extensive experience in leading community college programs brings invaluable expertise to our efforts."

Camille Catlett, Co-Director of SCRIPT-NC, added, "“We are able to do this work well because of sustained and collaborative partnerships with partner programs, agencies, and organizations, especially NC ACCESS. Elevating the quality of early childhood teaching and learning within North Carolina’s community colleges is essential to maintaining the early childhood ecosystem.”
 
Beyond its immediate impact, SCRIPT-NC is deeply committed to disseminating evidence-based resources and enriching course enhancement tools. The project's influence transcends the boundaries of North Carolina, reaching both national and global audiences.

The SCRIPT-NC team envisions a future where all children, regardless of their abilities or identities, are nurtured within inclusive and empowering educational environments. With this latest round of funding, that vision takes a significant stride forward.