Child Development and Early Education

The Early Educator Support, Licensure and Professional Development (EESLPD) Office administers three programs:

1. Beginning Teacher Support
2. Lateral Entry Teacher Support
3. Licensure Renewal

These programs support Early Childhood Lead teachers at each level of the licensure

The North Carolina Birth-through-Kindergarten License

The North Carolina Birth-through-Kindergarten degree and license prepares early childhood educators to work with young children, from birth through age five years. This includes children with and without disabilities, and at-risk children.

• The pre-service process requires coursework and a student teaching/internship to qualify for a NC Educator's Standard Professional I license issued by the NC State Board of Education.
• The in-service process requires three years of induction or beginning teacher support and formal teacher evaluations. This results in a professional development plan and leads to a North Carolina Birth-through-Kindergarten Standard Professional II license.

Professional Development and Training
Early Childhood Educators enrolled with the EESLPD Office are required to align their instruction with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.

Annual License Fee

The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) assesses an annual license fee to active child care providers in accordance with G.S. 110-90(1a).

• Child care facilities owned by public universities, community colleges or local public school systems do not require assessment. .
• Facilities operating with a Notice of Compliance (G.S. 110-106) instead of a star-rated license are not assessed this annual fee.
• Failure to pay your Annual License Fee on time may result in administrative action, up to and including revocation of your child care license.

Payment Options
Online Payment: PayPoint.
Check or Money Order: DHHS Controller's Office, Attn: Accounts Receivable
2025 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2025
Payment must include your license number

Annual License Fee Invoice Amounts
Family Child Care Homes: $52.00
Centers (capacity of 0-12): $52.00
Centers (capacity of 13-50): $187.00
Centers (capacity of 51-100): $375.00
Centers (capacity of 101+): $600.00

Regulated Child Care

Caregivers who care for two or more (unrelated) children for more than four hours a day might need to be licensed.

Licensure exemptions include:

• Recreational programs operated for less than four consecutive months in a year
• Specialized activities or instruction, or organized clubs for children
• Drop-in or short-term care provided while parents participate in activities that are not employment related and where the parents are on the premises or otherwise easily accessible
• Public Schools
• Nonpublic schools accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools that operate a child care facility for less than six and one-half hours per day
• Vacation Bible Schools
• Centers and Homes located on federal property over which the federal government has control
• Cooperative arrangements among parents to provide care for their own children as a convenience rather than for employment

Obtaining a License

Application/forms will vary based on the type of child care you wish to offer.

• To provide care in your home for a maximum of five preschool children, or up to eight children if at least three are school-aged, follow the Family Child Care Home application process
• To provide care for more than five preschool children, follow the Child Care Centers application process

Child Care Center Application Process

If you have questions or concerns related to the application process, contact the Division of Child Development and Early Education by calling our toll-free number 800.859.0829 (in-state calls only) or 919.662.4499.

1. Review the Basic Information for Potential Providers Booklet.
2. Register to attend a Prelicensing Workshop. Attendance at a Prelicensing Workshop is required for anyone interested in opening a Child Care Center.
3. At the Prelicensing Workshop, you will receive the name and phone number of the Lead Child Care Consultant in your area. Your Lead Child Care Consultant will schedule several prelicensing visits with you to talk about the specific licensing requirements for your center and to assist you in completing the application forms. Refer to the Prelicensing Guide to assist you with next steps.
4. Once it is determined that all applicable requirements have been met, the license will be issued.

Family Child Care Home Application Process

If you have questions, contact the Division of Child Development and Early Education.

Phone: 919-662-4499
Toll Free: 800-859-0829 (in-state calls only)

• Review the Family Child Care Home Packet.
• Complete the application form and mail it to:
  Regulatory Services 2201 Mail Service Center
  Raleigh, NC 27699-2201