Licensure

While enrolled with the EES Unit, you will be assigned a BK Licensure Specialist. This assignment is based on the county in which you are employed.

Our staff will provide support by requesting licenses or initiating actions to existing licenses such as, but not limited to renewals, extensions, validations, and conversions. Lead Teachers should not complete these actions on their own unless otherwise instructed by EES Unit staff.  

Licensure Evolvement

Whether you start with an Emergency or Residency License, our goal through licensure and professional development services is to support your growth to holding a 5-year Continuing License.

Emergency BK License

• The Emergency License is a one-year, nonrenewable license that provides an optional pathway to Residency Licensure. The Emergency License allows qualified individuals to obtain employment while meeting all requirements to convert to a Residency License.
• An Emergency License can only be requested by the EES Unit after receiving the eligibility denial regarding Residency BK Licensure from the EPP.
• Must be employed as an NC Pre-K or Developmental Day Preschool Lead Teacher in a non-public school program.
• Hold a BA/BS degree from a regionally accredited college/university
• 18 semester hours in BK/ECE content as verified by the EES Unit 

Residency BK License

• The Residency License is a one-year license with an option to renew no more than twice within a 3-year period as determined by the EPP and the EES Unit. Residency Licensure allows qualified individuals to obtain employment while meeting all requirements for the designated teacher area.
• Must be employed as an NC Pre-K or Developmental Day Preschool Lead Teacher in a non-public school program.
• Hold a BA/BS degree from a regionally accredited college/university
• 24 Semester Hours of coursework in the content licensure area as determined by the EPP

Initial BK License

• A three-year license allows individuals who have less than three years of teaching experience to begin practicing the teaching profession.
• Individuals must have completed an approved teacher education program from a regionally accredited college or university

Continuing BK License

• The Continuing License, renewable every five years, is intended for teachers with three or more years of teaching experience and is valid for five years, allowing individuals to teach on an ongoing basis.
• Observations and evaluations are conducted annually.
• To renew a Continuing License, teachers are required to complete a total of 8 CEUs or 80 contact hours within the 5-year renewal cycle. Teachers must complete CEUs or Contact Hours in the specific areas below:
  • 3 BK Content (30 Contact Hours) aligned with Standard 3 or 4
  • 3 Literacy (30 Contact Hours)
  • 2 General (20 Contact Hours)

For more information, please see our Additional Resources.