Star Rated License FAQs

There is no cost to apply for a star rated license. If you are having an Environment Rating Scale Assessment completed (to earn more points in the area of program standards), you will receive one free assessment every three years. If you re-apply for a higher star rated license and request to have the rating scale done again before the three-year period has elapsed, you will be charged for the rating scale assessment on a per classroom basis.

You can apply for a higher license at any time. Again, you can either contact your child care consultant or the application packet can be accessed on line on the DCDEE website.

Many local Resource and Referral agencies or Smart Start partnerships have Environment Rating Scale books that you can borrow. You can also purchase one from Teachers College Press by calling (800) 575-6566.

The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) maintains detailed information about the Environment Rating Scale Process as well as additional notes and training that are provided as clarification for provider. You may access additional information and resources by visiting the NCRALP website.

Child Care Centers: The assessors schedule a date to visit your program. When they arrive, they will randomly select classrooms to observe. One-third of the classrooms will be assessed. No information will be left at the end of the assessment. A summary will be mailed to your consultant who will deliver and review it with you.

Family Child Care Homes: The assessors schedule a date to visit your home. They will stay and observe for approximately four hours. No information will be left at the end of the assessment. A summary will be mailed to your consultant who will deliver and review it with you.

There is a procedure for providers to appeal their rating scale scores if they disagree with the assessment. The first step is to let your child care consultant know you would like to appeal the score. In some cases, the assessments may be repeated.

A copy of the application for the 2-5 star rated license and documents that support the number of points earned for the star rated license are kept on file at the Division, along with other public information about the facility (visits, inspections, etc.). This would include the compliance history score calculated when the application was submitted and a copy of the Environment Rating Scale Assessment, if one was completed. Some visit summary reports are available on line at the DCDEE website.