North Carolina’s Star Rated License System

North Carolina state law requires child care programs with two or more children, operating for more than four hours per day to have a Star Rated License. The state uses a range of one to five stars to rate each program. Programs that meet minimum standards receive one star, while programs exceeding these basic requirements may volunteer to apply to receive up to five stars

Star ratings are achieved by assessment of two quality child care components: Staff Education and Program Standards. 

Program Standards

Reflects the quality of care children receive and assesses program components including interaction between adults and children, materials and equipment available for children, indoor/outdoor space per child and staff-to-child ratio.

Staff Education

Reflects the education and experience of the program’s staff, with higher points awarded to programs staffed by individuals with higher levels of education.  Research indicates that program quality is positively impacted by higher levels of staff education.

Quality Point

In addition, one “quality point” is available to child care programs that make achievements in programmatic or education areas that aren’t addressed by these components.  Programs must also maintain a 75% Compliance History with state regulations.

New programs and programs that have changed ownership receive a temporary license for six months and then may apply for a higher star rating. Any program can re-apply for a change in star rating every six months. By state law, a program must post its star rated license.

Some programs are not required to be licensed, including center-based programs operated by churches and programs that operate fewer than four hours a day or seasonally, such as part-day preschools, out-of-school time programs and camps.  State laws and regulations are subject to change.

If you have any questions, call Child Care Resources’ Child Care Search service at (704) 348-2181. Also, contact the North Carolina Division of Child Development at (800) 859-0829 or on the web at www.ncchildcare.net.