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What's New

 

 

 

  • Information about the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has been moved to a new, separate area. Information provided by DCDEE related to COVID-19 and child care providers, settings and health precautions can now be found on the Coronavirus Information for Child Care page.

 

 

Public Notice: Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Proposed Rule Amendments and Adoptions

Public Comment Period Closes April 4, 2025

The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010.

Read the proposed rules: 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, .3010, .3201-.3226 Proposed Amendments and Adoptions 

Read the Office of State Budget Management Approved Fiscal Impact Analysis 

This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). QRIS is based on a star-rating licensing system that applies to child care centers and family child care homes that meet all minimum child care requirements which include but are not limited to health and safety standards and those who voluntarily choose to meet higher standards. The proposed rules incorporate all the elements of QRIS required by legislation as well as additional changes necessary for administrative clarity. The rules preserve the integrity of the state’s existing QRIS while providing more options for child care facilities to demonstrate and meet quality standards. These options include adjustments to current requirements related to staff/child ratio and enrollment that will result in more availability for families, options for early childhood education professionals to meet education standards at all star levels, and a choice of three licensure pathways to earn a Star Rated License. This will enable operators to demonstrate quality care practices by meeting standards that best fit the needs of the families they serve and the early childhood education professionals they employ.

Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD NOW OPEN

PUBLIC HEARING
March 26, 2025 at 1:15 p.m.
333 Six Forks Road, Room 165,
Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx

SEND WRITTEN COMMENTS TO:
Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator
2201 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2201
[email protected]

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS: APRIL 4, 2025

FREE 1-hour DCDEE credit training - Address the Stress for Child Care Professionals! North Carolina Child Care Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday March 26, 2025 and a Special Meeting on Thursday March 27, 2025
 
 

 

 

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

 

 

North Carolina Depertment of Health and Human Services
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