Licensure Information

 

Star License

The North Carolina Division of Child Development implemented the Star Rating System in 2000 in an effort to help parents choose quality child care. All child care programs in the state of North Carolina, other than church sponsored centers, must secure a Star Rated License.

The Star Rating for each child care provider is based on how the provider scores in these three categories.

Program Standards

Is there a sufficient amount of space for each child?

Does the program include an educational environment?

Do their daily activities encourage learning?

Does each teacher work with a manageable number of children?

Staff Education

What percentage of staff completed child care certificate and degree programs?

What is their understanding of child development?

What is their knowledge of effective learning activities?

Compliance History

Is this a safe, healthy place for children?

Does the program follow state rules and regulations?

Have there been significant charges or complaints by parents?

 

Each of these categories is worth five points. The star rating is based on the total points for all three categories. One star means that a Child Care Program meets minimum licensing standards as set by the North Carolina Division of Child Development. Each additional star means that the program meets higher, optional standards and therefore a higher quality of care should be expected.

 

14 — 15 Points

     11 — 13 Points

            8 — 10 Points

                 5 — 7 Points

                     3 — 4 Points

 

Revised Star Rated License Effective January 1, 2006

Programs that begin operation as of January 1, 2006 will  be under a new system, and existing programs will have until January 1, 2008 to transition to the new two-component system.

Under the new system programs must maintain at least a 75% compliance score to receive a Star Rated License. Programs who meet the compliance requirement and choose to apply for a 2 - 5 Star License will then earn points in two areas:

Program Standards are based on an evaluation of the program's daily environment (sufficient space for activities; variety of play materials; clean & comfortable play area), the number of staff per child and the interactions between adults & children, children with other children and children with activities and materials.

Staff Education points are based on the education & experience levels of the administrator, the number of lead teachers with child care credentials, the number of lead teachers with more early childhood education & experience, and the number of teachers with formal education and/or experience.

Programs can earn up to 7 points in each of theses areas. The program can also qualify for 1 quality point which gives them an opportunity to earn up to 15 total points. The Star Rating is based on the total points earned.

Change to Point Ranges

Three Component System

Two Component System

 5 – 7    Points  =                                                       2 Stars

 4 – 6    Points =                                                             2 Stars

 8 – 10  Points  =                                                       3 Stars

 7 – 9    Points =                                                             3 Stars

11 – 13 Points  =                                                       4 Stars

10 – 12 Points =                                                             4 Stars

14 – 15 Points  =                                                       5 Stars

13 – 15 Points =                                                             5 Stars

 

Church Exempt

Church sponsored child care centers are not required to be licensed by the state, but they must meet sanitation, building and fire safety standards. They may also choose to receive a Star Rated License by meeting the required criteria.

 

A Temporary license allows a new provider to operate while coming into compliance and is usually issued for six months. The temporary license is valid until the child care consultant issues a star rated license or the provider is denied a star rated license.

 

NAEYC accredited means that a child care center has voluntarily chosen to meet the highest standards set for child care centers. NAEYC accreditation is received in addition to state licensure.

NAFCC accreditation is to provide professional recognition and distinction to those family child care providers whose service are representative of the national standards of professional quality child care.

 

Exempt from licensure:

A. When the provider is related to all but two of the children in care ,

licensure is not required. If more than two children in care are

unrelated to the provider, licensure is required. Acceptable

kinship between the child and provider is defined in law as persons

related by blood or by marriage.

B. Playgroups for the children or free time for the parents, but not

child care while the parents work

C. Care for children of any age when care is provided for no more

than four hours per day .

 

For additional information about child care facilities in North Carolina you may visit THE DIVISION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT web site :

 

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dcd/

or

www.ncchildcare.net