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North Carolina Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in North Carolina. North Carolina also administers a state-funded preschool program — NC Pre-K Program — with additional requirements.

North Carolina Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with DCDEE)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:15, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	NC Division of Child Development and Early Education — Child Care Licensing Section (within NC DHHS)
Regulatory code	10A NCAC 09 .0713 (Staff/Child Ratios for Centers)
State-funded program	NC Pre-K Program

North Carolina preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in North Carolina must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education under 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (Staff/Child Ratios for Centers).

North Carolina state-funded preschool: NC Pre-K Program — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:15	—	Age 3; ages 4–5 = 1:20
State-funded preschool (NC Pre-K Program)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (Staff/Child Ratios for Centers), NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Always verify current ratios with DCDEE.

North Carolina preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a North Carolina childcare center license require a director meeting NC Division of Child Development and Early Education’s qualification standards under 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (Staff/Child Ratios for Centers). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in North Carolina must meet minimum education requirements set by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact NC Division of Child Development and Early Education for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at North Carolina-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in North Carolina

Private preschool programs in North Carolina follow the childcare center licensing process administered by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: NC Division of Child Development and Early Education center license (private preschool) or NC Pre-K Program contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through NC Division of Child Development and Early Education — Child Care Licensing Section (within NC DHHS). The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets NC Division of Child Development and Early Education’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (Staff/Child Ratios for Centers).
For a state-funded preschool: contact NC DHHS / Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a NC Pre-K Program contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: NC Division of Child Development and Early Education — Child Care Licensing Section (within NC DHHS).
Official resource: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov

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Frequently asked questions: North Carolina preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in North Carolina need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in North Carolina that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education under 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (Staff/Child Ratios for Centers). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:15 with a maximum group size of —. Contact NC Division of Child Development and Early Education for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a North Carolina preschool teacher need?

North Carolina preschool teacher credential requirements are set by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education under 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (Staff/Child Ratios for Centers). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact NC Division of Child Development and Early Education for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a North Carolina preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education in North Carolina, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:15, with a maximum group size of —. For state-funded programs (NC Pre-K Program), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the NC Pre-K Program and who qualifies?

Yes — North Carolina administers NC Pre-K Program. This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in North Carolina?

Kindergarten in North Carolina is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education under 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (Staff/Child Ratios for Centers) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact NC Division of Child Development and Early Education for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with NC Division of Child Development and Early Education before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: North Carolina Childcare Center Requirements, North Carolina Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, North Carolina Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with NC Division of Child Development and Early Education at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.