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The Division of Child Development and Early Education has moved! 

October 1, 2025 is first day at 1915 Health Services Way Raleigh NC 27607

Mailing Address is still 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200

The GPS address for new location is: 3905 Reedy Creek Rd, Raleigh NC.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/xV52DozexbvFtMrQ6 

 

Market Rate Study Report

All Child Care Lead Agencies (in NC the Division of Child Development and Early Education) are required as part of receipt of the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) block grant to conduct a statistically valid and reliable market rate survey (MRS) reflecting variations in the price to parents of child care services by geographic area, type of provider, and age of child.  

The purpose of the market rate survey is to establish recommendations for market rates for subsidized child care through the North Carolina Subsidized Child Care Program.  The study is based on survey of child care providers across the state and represents the tenth such survey.  The market rate study report describes the procedures used in the survey, provides background on current operation of child care facilities, and presents the findings of an analysis designed to recommend changes to the current market rate. 

The 2025 Child Care Market Rate Survey was completed in conjunction with researchers from North Carolina State University.  For questions regarding this report, please contact [email protected].

Note: Session Law 2025-36 (House Bill 412) directed the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to complete a new market rate study by May 1, 2026 that includes potential rates not segmented by star rating as well as updated rates aligned with the Quality Rating Improvement System. The law further provides that the current rate structure will remain in effect until further action by the NC General Assembly and approval by the federal government.

 In addition, as North Carolina’s Child Care Lead Agency, DCDEE is required under federal Child Care and Development Fund law and regulations to conduct a statistically valid and reliable market rate survey that reflects variations in the price of child care by geographic area, provider type, and age of the child. This market rate study will also fulfill that federal requirement.

 

 

2201 Mail Service Center | Raleigh, NC 27699-2200
919-814-6300 | 1-800-859-0829 (In State Only)
[email protected]

 


North Carolina Depertment of Health and Human Services
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