North Carolina childcare licensing is administered by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) within the Department of Health and Human Services. Any facility serving 3 or more unrelated children must be licensed. North Carolina has a 5-star tiered quality rating system (NC Star Rated License). S.L. 2025-42 created a new childcare infrastructure loan fund for facility construction and renovation.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 12 months) | 1:5 | 10 |
| Toddlers (12–24 months) | 1:5 | 10 |
| 2 years | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| Preschool (4–5 years) | 1:15 | 20 |
| School age | 1:20 | 25 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per NC immunization schedule required on file.
Health Assessment
Physician-signed health assessment required within 30 days of enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the North Carolina Division of Public Health for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Lead teacher must hold a NC Early Childhood Credential (ECC) or equivalent. Higher credentials required for higher star ratings.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. NC Early Childhood Credential I or equivalent required.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required. Contact DCDEE for current hour requirements per star level.
Director Qualifications
Director must hold a NC Director Credential and ECE degree/credential depending on star rating level.
Inspection Frequency
Frequency varies by star rating level. Higher-starred facilities have fewer required inspections. At minimum, one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact DCDEE or local Smart Start agency to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact DCDEE for current fee schedule.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
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