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North Carolinas #1 Childcare Directory

license should be posted in a visible area

basic license info

points earned

number of stars

name of facility

As staff education and program standards are improved upon, the providers point total will increase which will eventually place the childcare at a higher star count.

quality childcare

points of success

Program Standard points are based on a wider range of detailed items concerning day to day operations. Some program standards include: How many large rooms are available for the kids? How does the provider discipline children? What kind of learning activities does the child participate in? What is the staff to child ratio? These and several other observations are assessed in determining points granted for Program Standards.

Staff Education points are determined by how much early childhood education and experience the provider has. Various courses and certifications are offered by the state of North Carolina to help providers increase their points and enhance the quality of their childcare. Some providers may have acquired other childhood related education that the state may also acknowledge.

north carolina's star rating system

A licensed childcare home or facility will have a rating between 1 and 5 stars. A single star means the standard of care has met the minimum requirement for the state of North Carolina. Any star count above 1 means the standard of care has exceeded above and beyond what is required.See chart below

staff education & program standards

10 - 12 Points

13 - 15 Points

4 - 6 Points

7 - 9 Points

1 - 3 Points

points earned

number of stars  rewarded

there are two main criteria

that define total points earned

Quality childcare is essential to the developement and growth of North Carolinas children. It helps to build self-confidence and a strong foundation in their ability to advance and succeed in future years.

Star ratings in North Carolina provide a comprehensive way for parents to understand the level of quality a particular childcare has been verified to have. This system can be very helpful in determining the preferred standards a parent may be seeking.

Do keep in mind star ratings should not be treated as the only criteria to look at when searching for good childcare. It is also recommended that parents evaluate other things they deem important as well. Star ratings should only be one aspect of a parents observation. Personality, compassion, trust and love for the child may be other areas of importance to name a few.

While star ratings do help in the assessment process, nothing can replace personal visits and having good discernment which are both valuable attributes to make available during your search.