Training, webinars, consultations, resources and more coming soon
The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities:
- In August, we’ll provide a rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and host webinars on the following dates and times:
- August 18th at 1:00pm (child care centers and centers located in a residence) and 6:30pm (family child care homes)
- August 20th at 1:00pm (family child care homes) and 6:30pm (child care centers and centers located in a residence)
- In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline.
- Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses 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.
We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming informational settings and working with you on your pathway to the stars!
The purpose of this request for applications is to secure a Contractor with expertise in program evaluation to support North Carolina’s Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) activities. This effort will be driven by an updated Program Performance Evaluation (PPE) Plan, which aligns with North Carolina's Birth-Five Strategic Plan. The Contractor will be responsible for evaluating the progress of PDG B-5 activities toward strategic goals while contributing to continuous quality improvement (CQI). This will include monitoring the implementation of activities, assessing their outcomes, and identifying areas for enhancement.
One award of up to $300,000.00 will be made under this RFA to provide services set forth in the Scope of Work. A single award will be made for the successful applicant’s proposal. DCDEE will determine the actual funding amount based on the proposed execution of the project and the utilization of funds as outlined in the successful applicant’s proposal, pending funding availability.
Eligibility requirements are included in the RFA. Applications are due by 5:00 pm on September 4, 2025.
Application Face Sheet RFA # 002-DCDEE-2025
Request for Applications: “Program Performance Evaluation”
Line Item Budget Template
Line Item Budget and Narrative Instructions
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) partnered with the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to develop a research-policy collaboration to provide DCDEE with expertise in research and analysis related to short- and long-term policy questions focused on young children’s education and development.
This collaboration has produced research critical to understanding the contributing factors at play in North Carolina’s early childhood care and education landscape: Explore the research.
Disaster Impact Report Portal now available
In an emergency or disaster, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) works closely with regulated early childhood education (ECE) programs to help them respond, reopen and recover. Now, DCDEE is launching a new online tool to allow ECE programs to report operational status, damage, loss and situational information during times of crisis. The Disaster Impact Report portal will help DCDEE to document the impact of a disaster on North Carolina’s early care and learning network.
The Disaster Impact Report portal is now open for eligible providers in affected counties to report damage or loss due to Hurricane Ian and Tropical Storm Helene. To determine if you are eligible, review: · DCDEE Program Instruction – Hurricane Ian ·
Changes at the Federal government may impact payments from North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has experienced delays in the release of federal grant dollars. Typically, when federal payments have been unexpectedly delayed, we have received them within a few days of the initially expected receipt date. Although DCDEE has not experienced this yet, in the light of transparency, we wanted to share this in case we are affected this month and moving forward. While we don’t always receive specific information about the reasons behind these delays, they appear to stem from a combination of factors, including: 1) Limited staffing at federal agencies, which has slowed the processing of payment requests and 2) New requirements and processes related to justifications for federal draws. Know that once the funds are received, we will promptly process payment. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time of uncertainty. We will continue to keep you informed and are here to support you through this process to the best of our ability.