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The Division of Child Development and Early Education is moving October 1, 2025! 

Pathways to the Stars: The NC Quality Rating and Improvement System

Where Quality and Choice Meet

Better school and life outcomes for children depend on quality early childhood teachers who have the skills to ensure that children, supported by their families, have the early experiences they need for healthy development and a strong foundation for learning. North Carolina led the nation in 1999 when it launched its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a star rating system for early childhood education facilities. QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in child care. It encourages programs to engage in continuous quality improvement and families may use the star rating to make informed decisions when choosing a child care facility. 

Begun in February 2023, the Child Care Commission’s work to modernize North Carolina’s QRIS is now complete. Pathways to the Stars, Section .3200, Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses became effective July 1, 2025. Informed by national research, trends and outcomes, and input from more than 1,800 NC early childhood education professionals, Pathways to the Stars incorporates recommendations for change, such as:

  • Offering a choice of three pathways to demonstrate quality and earn a 2-5 Star Rated License. 
  • Updating education standards for early childhood educators to expand options; and
  • Adding standards for both educators and facilities that support continuous quality improvement and family/community engagement and leadership best practices.

Getting Started

DCDEE recognizes that the transition to the new QRIS is a big change. Our staff is committed to ensuring every child care program has the information needed to pick the pathway that works best for their facility. The Division recently held information session providing guidance on the transition.

A new Pathways to the Stars Rules Roll Out module is now available in the DCDEE Moodle digital learning platform.

Beginning In October, child care consultants will discuss the new rules during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen.

Effective February 1, 2025, ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "Threes"—will be used for program assessments and reassessments. Find information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities from the North Carolina Rated License Project (NCRLAP).​

Resources| Recursos

Webinar: Information Session for Parents Webinar: Information Session for Child Care Professionals

Webinar: Information Session for Child Care Professionals
Seminario Web − Sésion de Información No. 4 para los Profesionales de Cuidado Infantil

Parents, learn more about proposed changes to the Star Rating Sytem Learn about the QRIS Modernization in this webinar for child care professionals. Learn more about the QRIS Modernization in this webinar for child care professionals.  Presented in English with live Spanish translation.
Obtenga más información sobre la modernización del QRIS en este seminario web para profesionales del cuidado infantil. Presentado en inglés con interpretación en vivo en español.
Webinar Slides Webinar Slides Webinar Slides | Las Diapositivas 

 

We understand that you may have questions as you consider this information. Questions about QRIS Modernization (Reform) may be sent to [email protected]. In an effort to provide consistent and accurate answers to all individuals, we collect questions and answer them in the Frequently Asked Questions document above.

 

 

 

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

 

 
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