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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Welcome, NC

Home Care Welcome, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting North Carolina Executive Mansion in Welcome, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Welcome, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Welcome, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance and knowledge made an extremely difficult situation easy. He was able to work with our schedule and set everything up. We thank you so much for all your help and for the follow up.”

Lorrie H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in NC. Their internal staff is professional and efficient. They are always happy to answer any questions or concerns and they always respond in a very timely manner. ABC has quality sitters who will provide excellent care for your loved one with compassion, whether in a home or in a care facility. Always Best Care is appropriately named because they have “always” provided the “best care” to my mother-in-law, who has dementia. They have been helping her daily for the past three years. We are grateful for ABC’s help!”

Judy R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate the meeting and tour. Loved working with her and look forward to our partnership in the future!!!!”

Cindy B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the well-being of those they serve. I highly recommend their services to anyone who may need them!”

Jessica N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”

That_CarMeet_Guy
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TESTIMONIALS

“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”

Tanner C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”

Peggy B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are met, means a lot to the community. Having care you can trust means the world to the families in need. From the first interaction over the phone to a smiling face that greets you at the door, this company is great for in home care!”

Robin G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office is just as impressive. It’s comforting knowing you can call and talk to someone who genuinely cares and helps guide you through everything.”

Sheila H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are this compassionate. From day one, the entire team made us feel comfortable and answered so many of our questions with guidance.”

Jaylin W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”

Amanda B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”

Georgia J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent living facilities. He contacted the facility and got all the needed information. He kept us well informed of what to expect. I appreciated his services. Cody is very caring.”

Judy E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He spent time talking with us to learn what my mom was looking for in a place to live during the next chapters of her life and shared a variety of options. He scheduled and accompanied us on the tours. Cody was thorough, patient, kind and answered all of our questions. Even though my mom chose not to pursue independent living at this time, we appreciated the time Cody spent working with us and he will be the first call we make when/if she decides to pursue this route in the future. Thank you Cody!!!!”

Denise N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great care for your loved ones!”

Shanicka T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”

Dee Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”

Kyle N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful throughout the process. She was kind, professional, and took the time to answer questions and make everything feel easy and comfortable. It’s clear that she truly cares and wants to provide the best support possible. I would definitely recommend Always Best Care Services to anyone looking for dependable and compassionate care.”

Morgan P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC. They were absolutley fabulous for our family.”

Sally M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s funny, lively, and full of great energy. I actually caught myself laughing during the call, which almost never happens when calling places. Just a genuinely positive person who makes the conversation easy and enjoyable. Loved the energy! -cora”

Alvis W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to help my mother and always follow their well-thought out care plan. Their program is very organized and they are great with communication. Our caregiver, Allison, is especially fabulous ... she is ABOVE and BEYOND. She is so thorough, creative, and thoughtful. We feel very lucky to be on her list!”

Mary M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped my family and I find a caring, affordable, and beautiful assisted living facility for my mother. He was thorough and kind, keeping us updated with new finds and even helping me into one of the facilities we were touring with an umbrella against the pouring rain. He asked all the right questions, ensuring we found a good fit. After much searching, Cody ultimately discovered the place my mother is at now. Thanks for all the help, Cody!”

Rachel W.
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“Exceptional care and exceptional staff.”

Jason L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“You will be amazed with the services and care Always Best Care provides. Their entire team is very responsive, professional, and great to work with. I highly suggest ABC for your loved one in need of in-home care!”

Jacob N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Caregivers are amazing!! They are doing an amazing job with my parents. The scheduling crew is on point with all the scheduling. A++++++++”

Rosss D.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Welcome, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Welcome, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Welcome, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Welcome, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Welcome, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Eno River State Park in Welcome, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Welcome, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Paper Canoe or visit Welcome to Raleigh Mural, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Welcome, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Welcome, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Welcome, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Welcome, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Welcome, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Welcome, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Welcome, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Welcome, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Grayson Creek Assisted Living
  • Carolina Reserve of Durham
  • Spring Arbor of Apex
  • Woodland Terrace
  • Brookdale Lexington
  • Mallard Ridge Assisted Living
Home Care Welcome, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Welcome, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Welcome, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Welcome, NC

Latest News in Welcome, NC

North Carolina leaders welcome students to a new school year

As the new academic year kicks off, Gov. Josh Stein and State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green visited campuses to welcome students, parents, and teachers back to school.On Monday, they visited Conn Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh where they stood outside the building shaking hands, doling out high-fives, and wishing the students a great year. Green told reporters that he got to the school “bright and early” to greet the teachers, as well.“Now, as we start this school year and having the stude...

As the new academic year kicks off, Gov. Josh Stein and State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green visited campuses to welcome students, parents, and teachers back to school.

On Monday, they visited Conn Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh where they stood outside the building shaking hands, doling out high-fives, and wishing the students a great year. Green told reporters that he got to the school “bright and early” to greet the teachers, as well.

“Now, as we start this school year and having the students come in, I can only imagine the wonderful things that will happen this school year,” Green said outside the elementary school on Monday. “(Teachers are) so excited, waiting for the students to arrive. And now that they’re coming in, I am excited as well.”

Molly Steur/EdNC

Green also visited The Exploris School’s middle school campus in Raleigh on Wednesday. Green stood outside the doors of the charter school greeting students, welcoming teachers, and learning about stories. Principal Deborah Brown — the 2026 Charter School Principal of the Year — told EdNC that it meant a lot to have Green “paying attention to those small arrival moments.”

“We want to start every day with every student being greeted by name, having those connections and that check-in,” said Brown. “So having him here to model that from the top of the state — it really just ties so nicely to our core values and to everything we want for our students.”

Molly Steur/EdNC

Across the state, 1.5 million students will attend public schools this year, about 84% of North Carolinian children, according to previous reporting by EdNC. At the visit to Conn Elementary, Stein thanked parents who chose to send their children to N.C. public schools.

“I’m going to start this way — with a sincere thank you to each and every parent for choosing a North Carolina public school,” said Stein. “You have honored us by making that choice, and in so doing, now we get to be able to educate your child, which we will do at an extremely high level.”

Green also highlighted “historic results” of the previous school year, including record levels for overall graduation rates, the number of students taking and passing college-level courses or exams, and the number of students who are able to earn industry-recognized credentials.

“Expect excellence from each and every one of our schools, so that we can deliver at the highest levels for each and every one,” said Stein on Monday.

Sign up for the EdWeekly, a Friday roundup of the most important education news of the week.

While kids were at home on summer break, Stein was able to sign North Carolina’s first budget in the last three years into law.

“I’m really gratified that the budget that I signed under law last month made a meaningful investment in our public schools. The largest teacher pay increase in about 20 years. The largest starting teacher pay increase in about 50 years,” said Stein on Monday.

However, last week, Stein held an NC Strong Update, where he discussed the need for continued improvements to teacher support.

“Even with these much needed pay raises, we still rank 40th in the country in teacher pay. If I told you that we started out 40th, none of you would have found that acceptable. So we have more work to do. I see this budget as a launching pad, not a landing spot,” said Stein.

Molly Steur/EdNC

Stein also said that the state needs to work together to better value veteran teachers. His sentiments were echoed by Jeremiah Tucker, student body president at Broughton Magnet High School in Raleigh, who said that the budget did not accurately reflect the work that veteran teachers, like his mom, have put in. The new budget did not eliminate the teacher pay plateau, restore master’s pay, or adjust salary schedules so that teachers with more than 25 years of experience receive pay increases with time.

“(Veteran teachers) know what they’re doing, and we want them to keep teaching our kids,” Stein told EdNC. “All these new teachers that we’re getting into the field, we want them to see this as an attractive option for them, not only in years one, two, and three, but over an entire career.”

During Green’s visit to Exploris, Brown also said that often people focus too much on recruiting teachers but not enough on sustaining and retaining experienced teachers. She said that when her school has lost teachers, it’s because they’re leaving the education field entirely.

“We’re losing all of that institutional knowledge, all of the people who really have that experience,” said Brown.

During the NC Strong Update last week and on Monday, Stein highlighted the issue of technology use in schools.

This month, DPI released the results of a student well-being survey, where student mental health was marked as an “area of concern.” According to the survey, 29.7% of high school students felt sad or hopeless all the time. When asked about those results, Stein cited cellphone use as a contributing factor to student mental health.

He also described the importance of minimizing distractions in the classroom.

“We took a measure last year here in North Carolina, grateful to the legislature’s partnership on this, to shut down personal cellphones during school day,” said Stein, “because when teachers are competing with TikTok for student attention, they’re going to lose.”

Green spoke on the issue at Conn Elementary as well, directing teachers and guardians to consult statewide guidance from the Department of Public Instruction for when to use technology.

“Not every time is a time to put a screen in front of a child, but there are times when it is instructionally appropriate for that to happen,” said Green.

Back-to-school messages

Throughout the month, the governor has encouraged North Carolinians to support schools as they kick back off again. Last week, he delivered donated school supplies to W.M. Irvin Elementary School in Concord, where he said how N.C. teachers “spend more than $1,600 of their own money on classroom supplies each year” on average.

This summer, the governor also encouraged communities to donate school supplies to local classrooms, and the drive collected more than 110,000 unique school supplies, according to a press release.

Courtesy of the Office of the Governor

Stein also spoke directly to the students of Conn Elementary over the PA system on Monday.

“And for you students, this is your year — your year for the taking,” said Stein. “Work hard, listen to your teachers, ask them questions, and be a good friend to each other. I know you’re going to be wonderful this year. Make it a great one. Good luck, everybody.”

Also check out this video message from State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, encouraging North Carolina students to remember that learning is a journey.

Volleyball Set To Welcome JMU, Colorado State

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina volleyball closes out its three match homestand with two more matches on Thursday and Friday against James Madison and Colorado State.The Tar Heels are fresh off of two wins to open the year, sweeping Davidson on the road and UNCW at home.UNC vs. JMU | Thursday, Sep. 3 | 7 PM WATCH | LIVE STATS | TICKETSUNC vs. Colorado State | Friday, Sep. 4 | 6 PM WATCH | LIVE STATS | TICKETSNEWS & NOTESA WIN...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina volleyball closes out its three match homestand with two more matches on Thursday and Friday against James Madison and Colorado State.

The Tar Heels are fresh off of two wins to open the year, sweeping Davidson on the road and UNCW at home.

UNC vs. JMU | Thursday, Sep. 3 | 7 PM WATCH | LIVE STATS | TICKETS

UNC vs. Colorado State | Friday, Sep. 4 | 6 PM WATCH | LIVE STATS | TICKETS

NEWS & NOTES

A WIN WOULD... - Be better than a loss - Be the seventh consecutive win over JMU - Mark the first win over Colorado State since Sept. 3, 2021 - Be the third consecutive season 3-0 and 4-0

OPENING WEEKEND MASTERCLASS - Carolina swept opening weekend while being extremely efficient on offense and lockdown on defense - The Tar Heels hit an insane .470 against UNCW on Sunday which is the most efficient offensive performance since Nov. 11, 2016 - UNC also shut down the UNCW offense, holding them to a -.010 hitting percentage, the lowest since Boston College hit -.010 on Oct. 21, 2016 - Through two matches the UNC defense is holding opponents to a stellar .055 hitting percentage which is second best in the nation early on

LUCKY NUMBER... 19? - Carolina has been ranked No. 19 for five consecutive AVCA polls dating back to Nov. 24, 2025 - Before this stretch the Tar Heels had only been ranked No. 19 twice in the history of the AVCA Top 25 (Nov. 4, 2013, Aug. 10, 2016) - Five straight polls at the same ranking is the longest stretch since Carolina was ranked No. 7 in five consecutive polls between Nov. 17, 2014-Aug. 12, 2015

RETURNING FIREPOWER - Carolina didn't lose anyone to the transfer portal for the second consecutive year and it's allowing a lot of production to return - Out of the 1536 kills last season, 1535 (99.9%) of those are back on the 2026 roster, 100% of the 342 blocks are back, 90.2% of aces are returning, and 69.7% of digs - Safi Hampton and Chelsea Thorpe were both named to the Preseason All-ACC Team ahead of the 2026 season

O CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN - The 2026 leadership team consists of Zoe Behrendt, Chelsea Thrope, and Sadie Swift

BEHIND THE SCHEDULE - The Tar Heels will square off with eight different teams who made the NCAA Tournament last season - They will face National Runner-Up Kentucky, National Semi-Finalist Pitt, and 2025 overall No. 1 seed Nebraska all on the road this season. - UNC will also travel to SMU, host Stanford and Georgia Tech, and play Louisville and Miami both home and away. - Carolina will square off against six teams in the AVCA Preseason Top-11 over the course of seven matches throughout the season, five on the road and two at home

THE CLUB CONNECTION - Incoming transfers Laynie Smith and Emily Bobbitt will have a connection before they ever play in Carolina blue together - The two played together at Triangle Volleyball Club - Triangle is also where Erin Curtis, Lindley Miller, and Carly Markham played club prior to college - Erin Curtis' father, Jason, co-founded the club - Head coach Mike Schall served as an associate director at Triangle before arriving in Chapel Hill

YEAR FOUR OF THE SCHALL ERA - Entering year four, Coach Schall looks to build off the momentum of the first three seasons - Carolina is ranked in the preseason AVCA Top-25 Coaches Poll for the first time since 2017 and was picked fifth in the ACC Preseason Coaches Poll - In year one he went 13-14 and turned that around with a 23-8 record in 2024 with the first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021, followed by a 22-9 campaign in 2025 with another first round victory in the NCAA Tournament - UNC is now chasing three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since it went to seven in a row between 2010-16

ATHLETIC PEDIGREE - Jackie Taylor's father, Sean, played football for the University of Miami from 2001-2003 and was a member of the 2001 BCS National Championship team. He was the No. 5 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft to the Washington Redskins where he was a two-time Pro-Bowl Selection (2006, 2007) -Her mom, Jackie García, was a midfielder on the women's soccer team at the University of Miami - Erin Curtis', father Jason was a captain on the Santa Clara men's volleyball team, sister Emily was a setter at Villanova and sister Maggie was a defensive specialist at Santa Clara - Julia Bohlinger: Father Rob played football at the University of Wyoming (1993-98) and professionally in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers as a left tackle - Carson Overbeck's mom, Carla, was a three-time All-America and four-time NCAA Champion on the UNC soccer team from 1986-89. She captained the 1995 U.S. World Cup squad that advanced to the semifinals and also served as captain of the 1996 U.S. Women's Soccer Olympic Team that won the gold medal. She is currently an assistant coach for the Duke women's soccer team

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