Child Care Rules, Law, and Public Information
Periodic Review of Existing Child Care Rules
As part of the periodic review of rules required by state law, the Child Care Commission (“Commission”) has made initial determinations on whether each child care rule is necessary or unnecessary. The Commission invites public comments on its initial determinations from October 2 to January 22, 2025.
"Public comment" is defined by G.S. 150B-21.3A(a)(5) as a written objection to all or part of a rule. Additionally, pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A(c)(2), in order for the Rules Review Commission to determine whether the public comment has merit, the public comment must address the specific substance of the rule and address any of the standards of Commission review, as set forth in G.S. 150B-21.9(a).
10A NCAC 09 Report with Initial Determinations
Comments should be directed to:
Child Care Commission
2201 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2201
Attn: Julie Peck
[email protected]
Additional information regarding the Periodic Review and Expiration of Existing Rules can be found at https://www.oah.nc.gov/rules-division/periodic-review-and-expiration-existing-rules.
Periodic Review of Existing Rules for Subsidized Child Care Rules
The Social Services Commission has completed its review and readoption of the Subsidized Child Care rules located in 10A NCAC 10. The effective date of the rules is March 1, 2019.
Periodic Review and Expiration of Existing Rules - Updated February 2019
The Child Care Commission has completed its review and readoption of all of the Child Care Licensing rules located in 10A NCAC 09. The rules became effective as follows:
- Child Care Centers, Definitions, Family Child Care Homes, and Special Programs - October 1, 2017;
- Criminal Background Checks - January 1, 2019;
- Administrative Actions and Civil Penalties - February 1, 2019; and
- Minimum Standards and Rated License - March 1, 2019.
Additional information regarding the Periodic Review and Expiration of Existing Rules can be found at https://www.oah.nc.gov/rules-division/periodic-review-and-expiration-existing-rules.
North Carolina Child Care Rules and Law
Public Notices
Public Notice for Child Care Commission Meeting December 9, 2024
DRAFT NC CCDF Plan 2025-2027
If you would like to receive notification of Commission meetings and proposed rule making, contact us with your name and e-mail address.
How to Contact the Child Care Commission
How to Request Public Records
Notice of Public Hearing on the North Carolina Child Care and Development Fund Plan
Proposed Rule Amendments 10A NCAC 09 .0713 Staff/Child Ratios for Centers
This rule establishes allowable staff/child ratios and capacity for child care centers. Proposed amendments to this rule align ratios and capacity for centers located in a residence with those already allowed in nonresidential child care centers for children ages 3 years and older. Specifically, proposed staff/child ratios for centers located in a residence are increased from 1/12 to 1/15 for children ages three and older. This aligns with existing staff/child ratios for child care centers who do not operate in a residential setting. This change applies only to centers located in a residence that have a licensed capacity of 13 to 15 children.
10A NCAC 09 .0713 Proposed Amendment
OSBM Approved Fiscal Analysis
Proposed Effective Date: November 1, 2024
Public Hearing:
Date: July 16, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: By WebEx
Comments may be submitted to:
Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator
2201 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2201
[email protected]
Comment period ends: August 30, 2024
Resources for Building Quality Settings in Early Care and Education
Environment Rating Scales
Outdoor Learning Environments
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)
Professional Development
Social-Emotional Development
Infant & Child Health
links to resources for professional development, environment rating scales, outdoor learning environments, social-emotional development and more
Guide to Frequently Used Acronyms in Early Care and Education