The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the November 2024 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted changes to child care rule .0713 Staff/Child Ratios for Centers. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note some of the changes may or may not impact your facility. The major change is related to the staff/child ratios for centers located in a residence. 

You can access a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes please ensure you are using the updated November 1, 2024 rule book and view information in the DCDEE Moodle. You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training.  

If you do not have an NCID, go to the MyNCID Portal and select Register Now. After creating the MyNCID account wait approximately 1 hour, then login on Moodle.  Allow 24-36 hours for a reply.  Do NOT try to log in with your email address. Use your MyNCID username and password. Your MyNCID username is NOT your email address. You will not be able to log in with your email address.

Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and are enrolling for the first time, information on how to navigate Moodle can be found here: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle.

You can also access Moodle through DCDEE's website homepage. Need help? Email [email protected] or call (919) 814-6339 or (800) 722-3946.

Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Invoices will be emailed to the facility addresses on file by November 30, 2024. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024.

In accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 110-90(1a), licensed child care facilities are assessed an annual license fee. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance.

The Division of Child Development and Early Education remains available to assist you. For questions regarding license fees, visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website. For further assistance regarding your annual license fee, please email [email protected].

Thank you for your continued partnership!

Read the 2023 Workforce Study 
Read the Executive Summary for the 2023 Workforce Study 

The pandemic exacerbated what has been a long-in-the-making national child care crisis. At

the heart of the problem is a flawed and unsustainable funding model where it is impossible

to recoup the true cost of the services provided. As the Working in Early Care and Education

in North Carolina: 2023 Workforce Study  shows, this flawed model drives down pay and

makes it difficult to recruit and retain providers.

The Division of Child Development and Early Education in partnership with Child Care Services Association has released the latest statewide study of the early care and education workforce. Top findings from the report include:

• The early childhood workforce often earns too little to meet their basic needs.
• More teachers are leaving their jobs and many plan to leave the field altogether.
• Child care stabilization grants likely reduced the loss of child care centers during this time period. However, there was a significant decrease in family home providers.
• Many teachers are highly educated, but overall have fewer years of education than in 2019.
• Most teachers are female and disproportionately Black/African American.