Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in North Carolina?
To start a daycare in North Carolina, you need a license from the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) if you care for more than two unrelated children for more than four hours a day. Attend a pre-licensing workshop ($75 for homes, $135 for centers), complete background checks and pass your consultant's visits to be licensed.
In this guide
North Carolina daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Family child care home | Child care center |
|---|---|---|
| Children at one time | Up to 8, 9 or 10, depending on the ages of the children | Three or more preschool-age children, or nine or more school-age children |
| Who licenses | NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), part of NC DHHS | |
| Required workshop | Family Child Care Home Pre-Licensing Workshop, $75 | Two-day Prelicensing Workshop, $135 per person |
| Minimum age and education | Operator is 21 or older with a high school diploma or GED | Administrator is 21 or older with a high school diploma plus an approved education or experience option |
| First license | Temporary license valid for six months, then a star-rated license | License issued once the consultant determines all requirements are met |
| 2026 annual license fee | $52 | $52 to $600, based on capacity |
| Monitoring | At least one unannounced DCDEE visit each year | |
Sources: DCDEE license overview, Getting a License, Annual License Fee, G.S. 110-91, DCDEE center booklet (PDF) and family child care home process (PDF).
Do I need a childcare license in North Carolina?
Yes, in most cases. In North Carolina, you probably need a license if you care for more than two children who are not related to you for more than four hours a day. DCDEE defines child care as regular care at least once a week, for more than four hours but less than 24 hours a day, of three or more children under age 13 who do not live where the care is provided. Source: DCDEE and Getting a License.
Until you are licensed, you may legally care for no more than two children who are unrelated to you, and willfully operating a family child care home without a license is a Class I felony. Source: DCDEE (PDF).
Family child care homes
A family child care home is a child care arrangement in a residence. DCDEE describes it as care for more than two children at one time. State law allows one of three age mixes, counting your own preschool-age children but not your own school-age children: up to eight children, with no more than five from birth to age five plus three school-age children; up to nine children, with no more than three under age two, three aged two to five and three school-age children; or up to 10 children if all are older than 24 months. Source: G.S. 110-91(7).
Child care centers
A child care center cares for three or more preschool-age children or nine or more school-age children at one time. A center can also be located in a residence, with a licensed capacity of 3 to 12 children or 13 to 15 children. A center's capacity depends on its space, with at least 25 square feet of indoor space per child and 75 square feet of outdoor play space for each child using the outdoor area at one time. Source: DCDEE and Center booklet, pages 2 and 6.
Programs that do not need a license
DCDEE lists exemptions that include recreational programs open fewer than four consecutive months a year (such as summer camps), specialized instruction like athletics, dance or music lessons, public schools, vacation Bible schools, programs on federal property and cooperative arrangements among parents. Religious-sponsored programs may operate under a Notice of Compliance instead of a license. See DCDEE's full exemption list.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in North Carolina?
Requirements for family child care homes
- Be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Attend the Family Child Care Home Pre-Licensing Workshop. Your workshop certificate must be from the last two years.
- Complete a criminal background check for yourself and for any household member over age 15 who is employed in or lives in the home, before you are licensed, and again every five years.
- Hold current First Aid and CPR certification, completed within the 12 months before you apply, appropriate for the ages of the children in your care.
- Complete ITS-SIDS (Infant Toddler Safe Sleep and SIDS Risk Reduction) training within 12 months before you apply if you plan to care for infants 12 months and younger, and renew it every three years.
- Provide proof of a negative tuberculosis test or screening within the past 12 months and a completed health questionnaire.
- Provide pet vaccination records, a well water analysis if you use a private well and copies of any inspections your local government requires.
- Get written permission from your landlord or homeowners association if you rent or have an HOA, and check zoning with your local planning office.
- Within a year of being licensed, complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training and the required health and safety training. Within 90 days of licensure, complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training.
Sources: 10A NCAC 09 .1702, .1703 and .1714 (PDF), DCDEE pre-licensing checklist (PDF), DCDEE process for licensure (PDF) and Licensing FAQ.
Requirements for child care centers
- Administrator: Be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent and meet one of these: two years of full-time child care or early childhood work experience, a degree with at least 12 semester hours in child development or a related field, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, completion of a community college early childhood program, or one year of full-time experience plus the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential. Administrators also need coursework or experience in program administration.
- Administrator credential: Begin working toward the North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential (or its equivalent) within six months of taking on administrative duties and complete it within two years of starting work.
- Lead teachers: Be at least 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent and either one year of experience in a center (or two years in a family child care home) or a two-year high school program in early childhood education. Lead teachers must enroll in the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential coursework (NCECC) within six months and complete it within 18 months of enrolling.
- Aides: Be at least 16, and work under the direct supervision of a credentialed staff member who is 21 or older if the aide is under 18.
- Background checks and health: Every employee completes a criminal background check before their first day and a recheck every five years. Staff need proof of a negative TB test or screening, a health questionnaire and emergency medical information.
- Training: All staff receive 16 hours of orientation (six of them within the first two weeks) and complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days. Staff who provide direct care or take children off premises need First Aid and CPR certification. Infant rooms need ITS-SIDS-trained caregivers, and one person completes Emergency Preparedness and Response training within a year of the license.
- Space and safety: At least 25 square feet of indoor space per child and 75 square feet of outdoor play space for each child using the outdoor area at one time, and a building that meets building, sanitation and fire code requirements.
Sources: DCDEE center booklet, revised October 2026 (PDF), G.S. 110-91(8) and 10A NCAC 09 (PDF).
North Carolina center staff-to-child ratios
| Age of children | Staff : child ratio | Maximum group size |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 12 months | 1:5 | 10 |
| 12 to 24 months | 1:6 | 12 |
| 2 to 3 years | 1:10 | 20 |
| 3 to 4 years | 1:15 | 25 |
| 4 to 5 years | 1:20 | 25 |
| 5 years and older | 1:25 | 25 |
Source: Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (PDF, page 26) and the DCDEE center booklet. When age groups are combined, the ratio for the youngest child applies to the whole group, and centers must submit a written request to DCDEE before using the separate multi-age group ratios. Centers located in a residence follow separate ratios in the same rule. Family child care homes are limited by the capacity options above rather than center ratios. For a broader look, see brightwheel's guide to childcare staff-to-child ratios.
How do I apply for a childcare license in North Carolina?
North Carolina licenses family child care homes and centers through separate processes. Both start with a pre-licensing workshop and end with visits from a DCDEE child care consultant.
How to get a family child care home license
- Check zoning and permissions. Contact your local zoning and planning office, and get written permission from your landlord or homeowners association if you rent or have an HOA.
- Attend the pre-licensing workshop. The family child care home workshop costs $75, runs about 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and is offered virtually and in person. Registration is online and nonrefundable. See the October to December 2026 workshop schedule (PDF).
- Complete background checks. Applicants apply through DCDEE's ABCMS portal with an NCID. Read the Criminal Background Check Unit's instructions first.
- Submit your application and documents. Complete the family child care home application packet (PDF) and supporting documents, including your background check qualification letter, First Aid and CPR certificate, ITS-SIDS certificate if you will care for infants, TB results, health questionnaire and pet vaccinations.
- Meet with your consultant. Once DCDEE processes your paperwork, a lead child care consultant schedules a pre-licensing consultation to review requirements and observe your indoor and outdoor space. Use the pre-licensing checklist (PDF) to prepare.
- Request an initial assessment. If you meet every requirement, DCDEE issues a temporary license valid for six months. At the end of that period, you receive a star-rated license, starting at one star if you meet the minimum standards. Source: 10A NCAC 09 .1702 (PDF).
How to get a child care center license
- Review the center booklet. Read DCDEE's Basic Information for Potential Providers (PDF) and check your city or county for additional local standards.
- Attend the Prelicensing Workshop. The two-day workshop costs $135 per person and is required for anyone opening a center. See the schedule and registration on DCDEE's Regulated Child Care page.
- Connect with your lead child care consultant. At the workshop you receive the name and phone number of your consultant, who schedules several pre-licensing visits and helps you complete the application forms.
- Complete inspections and background checks. Your building must pass building, fire and sanitation inspections, and every employee completes a criminal background check.
- Receive your license. DCDEE issues the license once all applicable requirements have been met. DCDEE does not publish a standard processing time, so timing depends on how quickly you complete the workshop, inspections, background checks and documents.
Want to compare other states? See brightwheel's childcare licensing requirements by state, plus guides for North Carolina, childcare centers, large family child care homes and small family child care homes.
How much does a daycare license cost in North Carolina?
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Family child care home annual license fee | $52 | Calendar year 2026 |
| Center annual license fee, capacity 0 to 12 | $52 | Calendar year 2026 |
| Center annual license fee, capacity 13 to 50 | $187 | Calendar year 2026 |
| Center annual license fee, capacity 51 to 100 | $375 | Calendar year 2026 |
| Center annual license fee, capacity 101 or more | $600 | Calendar year 2026 |
| Family child care home pre-licensing workshop | $75 | Per person, nonrefundable |
| Center prelicensing workshop | $135 | Per person, two days |
Sources: DCDEE Annual License Fee, family child care home workshop schedule (PDF) and DCDEE Regulated Child Care. The 2026 annual fee is due online by December 2, 2026, and you need your Facility ID and your 2026 invoice number to pay. Unpaid fees are assessed a 10% late fee plus interest, and failing to pay can lead to license revocation. The annual fee does not apply to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Fee schedules change each year, so check the DCDEE page before you pay.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
As I build my new program, the billing features are a game changer. I can easily invoice parents, and everything is automatically tracked—especially helpful come tax season.” Emily K., Owner of Emily Finzen Childcare in Lake Benton, MN
Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.” Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
How do I stay compliant after I'm licensed?
- Expect unannounced visits. DCDEE child care consultants make at least one unannounced visit to every program each year, plus additional visits for complaints, technical assistance and follow-up.
- Protect your compliance history. Programs must keep a compliance history of 75% for the past 18 months, or for the time they have operated.
- Know your star rating. A one-star license is the minimum. Programs can voluntarily earn two to five stars through the Star Rated License system.
- Keep background checks and training current. Recheck background checks every five years, renew First Aid, CPR and ITS-SIDS training on schedule, and complete annual ongoing training. Family child care home operators complete 5 to 20 clock hours a year after their first year, depending on education and experience.
- Keep accurate records. Document attendance, medication and incident reports in line with DCDEE's rules.
Sources: DCDEE license overview, Licensing Requirements, Licensing FAQ and 10A NCAC 09 .1703 and .1709 (PDF).
Are there grants for childcare providers in North Carolina?
Yes. Grants do not need to be repaid and can fund facility upgrades, equipment, professional development and program enhancements. Funding changes often, so review the current grants for childcare providers in North Carolina to find programs that fit your program.
Frequently asked questions
How many children can I care for in a family child care home in North Carolina?
State law allows a family child care home to care for up to eight children (no more than five from birth to age five plus three school-age children), up to nine children (no more than three under age two, three aged two to five and three school-age children), or up to 10 children if all are older than 24 months. Your own preschool-age children count toward the total, but your own school-age children do not.
Do I need a degree to open a daycare in North Carolina?
Not for a family child care home. The operator must be 21 or older with a high school diploma or GED. A child care center administrator must be 21 or older with a high school diploma plus one of several education or experience options, such as two years of full-time child care experience, a degree with child development coursework or a CDA credential, and must earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential or its equivalent.
How much does a daycare license cost in North Carolina?
The 2026 annual license fee is $52 for a family child care home or a center licensed for 0 to 12 children, $187 for 13 to 50 children, $375 for 51 to 100 children and $600 for 101 or more. Required pre-licensing workshops cost $75 for family child care homes and $135 for centers. The 2026 annual fee is due online by December 2, 2026.
Is a pre-licensing workshop required in North Carolina?
Yes. A family child care home operator must complete the Family Child Care Home Pre-Licensing Workshop before DCDEE issues an initial license, and anyone opening a child care center must attend the two-day Pre-licensing Workshop. Workshops are offered virtually and in person, and registration is online.
What are the staff-to-child ratios for North Carolina child care centers?
North Carolina centers must keep at least one staff member for every 5 children from birth to 12 months, 6 children aged 12 to 24 months, 10 children aged 2 to 3, 15 children aged 3 to 4, 20 children aged 4 to 5 and 25 children aged 5 and older. Each age group also has a maximum group size, from 10 for infants up to 25 for children aged 3 and older.
Do household members need a background check for a family child care home?
Yes. The operator and any household member over age 15 who is employed in or lives in the home must complete a criminal background check before the home is licensed, and again every five years. The check includes a national fingerprint-based FBI criminal history check and searches of sex offender and child abuse registries.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in North Carolina. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
