Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) offers new training
PCANC has produced a new engaging and informative web-based training on Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. They are offering this training at no cost to NC residents. The training has been approved by DCDEE for two hours of child care in-service training credit. For more information or to take the course, visit the Prevent Child Abuse NC website.

Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Child Care Rules
Proposed changes to the child care rules will be published in the February 1, 2012 NC Register and a public hearing will be held during the Child Care Commission meeting on February 28, 2012. Read this memo for more information and read the proposed rule changes here.

Looking for past months? Find them in the What's New Archive

Child Care Subsidy Fact Sheets for 2011-2012
New fact sheets of child care subsidy data - both Statewide and by county - are now avaiable on our website.

Looking for past months? Find them in the What's New Archive

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Fiscal and Contract Manual for 2011-2012
The North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Fiscal and Contract Manual for FY 2011-2012 is ready!

The North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Contractor Monitoring Tool for FY 2011-2012
The North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Contractor Monitoring Tool for 2011-2012 is ready! The tool is designed to provide checklists of those components of the program that must be reviewed annually.

Looking for past months? Find them in the What's New Archive

NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool is ready.
The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool has been updated for FY 2011-2012. Information about monitoring requirements can be found in the NC Pre-K Program Requirements, pages 7-1 to 7-3. NC Pre-K Contract Administrators should contact their DCDEE Education Consultants with any questions.

Looking for past months? Find them in the What's New Archive

NC Pre-K Forms
The following forms are ready for use with the NC Pre-K Program:

• Request for Slot Payment


• Request for Administrative Funds Payment


• Requests for Additional Slots

NC Pre-KKids is ready!
The 2011-2012 NC Pre-KKids system, formerly MAFKids, is ready. Please review the updated User Guide prior to entry. The system includes information about Sites, Classrooms/Teachers, and Children that make up the monthly Service Reports.

Where should child care providers submit education documents?
The budget bill passed in June by the General Assembly removed the law that required Early Educator Certifications for child care providers. Education paperwork for providers in licensed child care should now be submitted to the Division of Child Development and Early Education, Workforce Standards Section. If a provider submits, or has submitted, education paperwork to the Institute then the education evaluation data will ultimately be transferred to the Division once it has been evaluated by the Institute and transcripts would not have to be sent in to both the Division and the Institute. Early Educator Certification, now voluntary, offers benefits for both child care employers and employees. Being certified through the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals remains a positive step in professional development and is highly encouraged.

Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Child Care Rules
Proposed changes to the child care rules will be published in the September 1, 2011 NC Register and a public hearing will be held during the Child Care Commission meeting on September 27, 2011. Read this memo for more information and read the proposed rule changes here.

Looking for past months? Find them in the What's New Archive

North Carolina Pre-kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Subcontract templates are ready!
The NC Pre-K new subcontract templates are available for the 2011-2012 year (notice) . Two templates are available: Subcontract template no Smart Start Funds and Subcontract template with Smart Start Funds. Instructions are provided on each template.

The NC Pre-KPlan is ready!
The notice and Step by Step Guide will walk you through your initial system management of the 2011-2012 NCPre-KPlan. The User Guide for Making Changes to NC Pre-KPlan 2011-2012 provides detail instructions for system management.

NC Pre-K Program Requirements Issued.
The 2011/2012 NC Pre-K Program Requirements have been released and can be downloaded here. These have been revised to align with Judge Manning’s ruling, the Executive Order 100 from Governor Perdue, and the requirements outlined in the 2011 Budget Bill.

Changes to Child Care Administrator Education Requirements
Changes have been made to education requirements for Administrators. These include the ending of the option to test-out of Administration I and Administration II coursework and phasing out the portfolio component requirement. See this flyer for more information.

Important updates about the NC Prekindergarten program (NC Pre-K) Governor Perdue issued Executive Order No. 100 and a press release about NC Pre-K on August 10, 2011. The NC Pre-K Frequently Asked Questions have been updated per the Executive Order. Allocations were updated and sent to NC Pre-K Contract Administrators on August 10. The final version of the NC Pre-K Program Requirements will soon be available here on What’s New.

Revised Family Child Care Home Handbook now available.
Licensed family child care homes, watch your mailboxes for this postcard. You can access the handbook online or purchase a copy by calling Customer Service or using this Printed Materials Order Form.

SEEK Rollout Schedule
See the revised map and schedule for counties to implement the SEEK program.

2011 Budget Bill Impacts Child Care Subsidy Payments
Special Provision language in the 2011 Budget Bill impacts subsidy payments for non-licensed homes and for one and two star licensed programs. This memo explains the changes.

Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Subsidized Child Care Rules
Proposed changes to the subsidized child care rules will be published in the July 1, 2011 NC Register and a public hearing will be held at the NC Social Services Commission meeting on August 9, 2011. For more information read this memo and the proposed rule changes.

NC Prekindergarten program moves to the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE)
Effective July 1, 2011, DCDEE is the lead agency for North Carolina’s prekindergarten program NCPK, formerly housed in the Department of Instruction as More at Four. Here is current information about the changes. Specific questions are answered in this NCPK Frequently Asked Questions document. The revision date on the document tells you when it was last updated. On June 30, 2011 the Division hosted a webinar with local NCPK Contract Administrators and NCPK Committee Co-Chairs to provide updates on the program and answer many questions that had been received. The webinar was recorded, and you can watch it or share it with your community partners.

New Income Eligibility Levels Established for Subsidized Child Care Program
Families who meet the need criteria of the Subsidized Child Care Program may now be eligible for financial assistance under the new income eligibility guidelines. Financial assistance can be provided if the local purchasing agency has subsidy funding available.

Additional Information About New Crib Safety Standards.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released more Questions & Answers to help you understand the new crib standards that include banning the manufacture and sale of traditional drop-side cribs. The CPSC has all crib safety and crib standard guidance and publications at www.cpsc.gov/cribs.

Looking for past months? Find them in the What's New Archive

SEEK Phase I - the attendance reporting sytem - has been postponed.
Read this memo for more information and watch for updates under What's New.

Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Spending for the Federal Fiscal Years 2011-2013
A Public Hearing will be held on June 2nd from 11:30-1:30 PM in room 300 at the Division’s main office, 319 Chapanoke Road, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27603. We welcome you to attend and comment.

Members of the public are invited to comment on the services that will be provided through the federal Child Care and Development Fund during the upcoming 2011-2013 period. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides a block grant funding to states in order to support early care and education services.

We greatly value and appreciate your comments and recommendations. Please send your comments directly to Tasha Owens-Green and feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached by email, or by phone at (919) 662-4499. Thank you for your continued commitment to North Carolina’s children and families. We look forward to hearing from you.

SEEK Awareness Sessions for Providers will be held statewide to introduce subsidized child care providers to SEEK – Subsidized Early Education for Kids. This schedule will help you find a convenient time and location to attend and learn more about how the program will work. The session has also been recorded for your viewing or view the Power Point presentation. (If you wish to see the talking points from the Power Point 2003, please save the file and open it from your computer. If you do not have Power Point please download the free Power Point viewer from Microsoft.)

New DCD Newsletter. The first issue of The Compass, an electronic newsletter for child care providers and agency partners, has been emailed to all child care centers and family child care homes that have provided DCD with an email address. It was also sent to partner agencies and organizations in the early education and school-age child care community. The newsletter has a Join Our Mailing List button for others who wish to subscribe.

Looking for past months? Find them in the What's New Archive

SEEK Updates for Child Care Providers, Parents and County Staff:

• SEEK Awareness Sessions for Providers will be held statewide to introduce subsidized child care providers to SEEK – Subsidized Early Education for Kids. This schedule will help you find a convenient time and location to attend and learn more about how the program will work.
• SEEK Letter to Parents from DCD Director. This letter was mailed April 15 to the parents of children enrolled in the Subsidized Child Care System, to tell them about the SEEK system.
• SEEK Flyer for Providers. This flyer was distributed in February 2011 to tell subsidized child care providers about how SEEK will work and how to get ready for it.
• SEEK Letter to Counties and Local Purchasing Agencies. This memo was sent in January to introduce the upcoming SEEK system.

Child Care Workforce: New Information about Procedures for Workforce Education Evaluations and Early Educator Certification. Please open, print, and share these two new documents with others working in licensed child care:

Child Care Nutrition Study released: In 2009 the NC General Assembly created the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity. The Task Force has studied issues related to childhood obesity and strategies for addressing the problem. They’ve also studied early childhood interventions and the role of childcare facilities. The final report from the Task Force shares the enhanced child care nutrition standards they recommend, evidence-based guidelines to support these recommendations, and the feedback they heard from child care providers, pediatricians and nutritionists across the state.

Child Care Providers: Be Smart Consumers of Training.
As a child care provider, you have to meet state requirements for in-service training each year. If you have received your Early Educator Certification, you also need continuing education that counts for your certificate renewal. Because you spend time and money to do this, here are some tips and links to be sure that the training you take meets those requirements.

Important Information for Subsidized Child Care Providers.
A packet that includes information on preparing for SEEK – Subsidized Early Education for Kids - has been mailed to all providers of subsidized child care in the state. You can view all the documents in the packet here. A new tab for SEEK is coming to our web site with information about SEEK for parents, child care providers, and counties.
NOTE: There was a delay in mailing out the packet, so the deadline to return the required forms has been extended to April 20, 2011. Letters with the new deadline are in the packet of documents above.

Important Information for Subsidized Child Care Providers.
North Carolina will soon begin using SEEK, a new attendance reporting and payment delivery system for parents and child care providers. This flyer has information about how SEEK will work and how to get ready for it. A new tab for SEEK is planned for our home page. Check our home page for updates in the coming months.

What Makes an Early Childhood Teacher Great?
A new brochure from the North Carolina Institute for Child Development Professionals lists many of the teacher qualities and workforce supports that help answer this question. The Institute, which certifies early educators, recently added a Great Early Childhood Teacher section to their website. You’re invited to send ideas for this section to dtorrence@ncicdp.org.

2011 NC Curricula Review Process
The Office of Early Learning and the Division of Child Development are reconvening a committee to evaluate early childhood curricula and make recommendations to these agencies. For instructions for submitting curriculum and more information click here.

Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Child Care Rules
Proposed changes to child care rules will be published in the January 18, 2011 NC Register and a public hearing will be held at the NC Child Care Commission meeting on February 10, 2011. Read this memo for more information and read the proposed rule changes here.

Is the food served in your facility safe from suspicious activity? Be aware.
Stories in the media have made us aware that terrorist-like activities could contaminate food in retail settings. “If You See Something, Say Something.”
Read and post this flyer for employees in food preparation and food service work areas. This letter gives more information about the campaign launched by the Department of Homeland Security and the Food and Agriculture Sector Councils to make employees aware of what to look for and what to do if something appears suspicious.

Administration Standardized Test Information for March 5, 2011

NC Standardized Equivalency Test for Child Care Administrators March 5, 2011

Registration Deadline Has Been Changed Due To The Availability Of Slots.

Continuing Education Sources for Early Educators
Whether you're working toward being certified or recertified, you may be searching for college courses or opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). This newsletter from the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals has a wealth of resources for you to choose from.

Strong New Crib Safety Standards to Ensure Safe Sleep for Babies and Toddlers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has approved new mandatory federal standards for safer cribs. These include banning the manufacture and sale of traditional drop-side cribs, in response to more than 30 infant and toddler deaths. Read the press release to learn more about this and what it will mean for child care centers and homes.

Child Care Operators - You have a new tool to protect the children in your care. As an employer you can now access the Responsible Individuals List (RIL) to find out if a current or prospective employee has been identified as a responsible individual in a substantiated case of abuse or serious neglect.
Read more . . .

This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to establish a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Council to provide oversight to the delivery of the five CCR&R Core Services: Parent Education and Referrals; Technical Assistance; Professional Development; Data Collection; and Public Awareness, across North Carolina’s 14 CCR&R regions. This RFA is open to state agencies and universities, public entities and private not-for-profit organizations with a current 501(c)(3) standing. Award(s) up to $560,000.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Council Management

Child Care Market Rate Survey

The 2010-11 Child Care Market Rate Survey was mailed to all regulated child care providers in NC the week of November 22, 2010. All regulated child care centers and family child care homes should receive a survey packet including: a cover letter from DCD and a letter from the surveyor (NCSU Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services/CUACS), an example completed survey, the instructions and a blank Market Rate Survey for providers to complete, and a postage-paid business reply envelope.

When providers receive their survey packet they are asked to carefully consider and complete the survey and please return their response via postal mail (or fax to 919-515-3642) as quickly as possible. A full and quick response from providers is crucial to DCD in our efforts to collect representative child care market rate information. Providers who do not respond on their own may be contacted by CUACS staff by phone to complete the survey.

Any provider who does not receive a survey packet or who has questions about completing their survey should contact Art Anthony at 919-515-1300 (phone) or by electronic mail at Art_Anthony@ncsu.edu. In order to maintain confidentiality, all questions regarding the survey should be directed to CUACS and not to DCD.

Posted November 22, 2010 — All questions received by the Division of Child Development regarding the Child Care Workforce Survey and Analysis RFA announcement and a response to each question received.
Child Care Workforce Survey and Analysis RFA Questions/Response

Child Care Workforce Survey and Analysis RFA (Request for Applications) RFA open to State agencies and universities, public entities and private not-for-profit organizations with current 501(c)(3) standing. Up to $300,000 total, for one award, is available to poll child care workers in regulated family child care homes and child care centers in every county throughout NC. Survey results will provide comprehensive data regarding the wages and benefits provided to employees and how those and other factors influence employees’ education levels, experience and turnover in the industry.

Administration Standardized Test Information for March 5, 2011
Registration Deadline Has Been Changed Due To The Availability Of Slots.

Child Care Director Meetings are being held in October and November to review the new child care requirements that became effective July 1, 2010. You will receive an invitation from your child care consultant to attend a Directors Meeting in your area. The purpose of these meetings is to inform you of rule requirements pertaining to children’s health and nutrition, age and developmentally appropriate activities, enriching outdoor learning environments, quality activities for school-age care and preventing obesity in young children. You will also have the opportunity to hear about the new law related to the Early Educator Certification. Copies of handouts will not be available at the Director Meetings. Below you will find copies of the PowerPoint presentations for Family Child Care Homes and Centers. Please print the applicable copy and bring it with you to your session.

October/November Director Meeting – PowerPoint Presentations:

Family Child Care Home

Center

Updates and Information for NC Child Care Providers

Early Educator Certification

A new law requires teachers and family child care home providers to have their education certified through the North Carolina Institute for Child Development Professionals. Discover the many resources on the Institute’s website, learn about Early Educator Certification, and find out how you can become certified FREE OF CHARGE through September 2010, or at half-price from October through December 2010.

NC Early Educator Certification Webinars - free webinars about the new law requiring Early Educator Certification for North Carolina child care teachers and family child care home providers. Register now for September 1 or September 9, 2010.

“What do North Carolinians Want for Their Children?” report released Thursday, August 5, 2010

Information about Child Care Licensing Rule Changes Effective July 1 and August 1, 2010

Over the last year the North Carolina Child Care Commission has been working on rulemaking in the areas of children’s health and nutrition, enriching outdoor activities and quality school-age care, based on research reviewed on outdoor learning environments, quality activities for school-age care, and preventing obesity in young children. The majority of these rules became effective July 1, 2010, with the exception of a few that carried over to August 1, 2010. Please click on the links below for a summary of the rule changes for child care centers and for family child care homes. The complete rule text will be updated in the coming week and can be found as a link on the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education webpage.

Summary of Rule Changes for Centers 2010

Summary of Rule Changes for Homes 2010

Rule Text effective July 1 and August 1, 2010

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a major recall of cribs with drop-sides and other hazards. See their Crib Information Center for resources and frequently asked questions about crib safety.

Summer Safety Tips - 2010

An exciting new initiative for the Division is Deeming Income Eligibility Across Service and Benefit Programs in the Department of Health and Human Services. This will allow for a more efficient service delivery system for families. To learn more about the new procedures and revised subsidy policies, please view the power point presentations and FAQs.

North Carolina’s Child Care Licensing Rule – Changes approved by the Child Care Commission on April 29th, 2010

Free Child Care Aware Webinar

NACCRRA's Child Care Aware will be hosting a webinar entitled," Is Your Child Care Program Prepared for Emergencies?" The webinar, scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. EST, is designed to help parents ensure their child care provider or center program is prepared to keep children safe during emergencies. Questions to ask providers will be covered. The webinar will be presented by Dr. Beverly Schmalzried, the Senior Strategic Advisor for NACCRRA. Dr. Schmalzried has many years of experience working with providers in preparing for and recovering from natural disasters and formerly directed the United States Air Force's worldwide system of child care and youth programs. To register for the webinar please click here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/225374410

The North Carolina Quality Rating and Improvement System Advisory Committee

Over ten years have passed since the rollout of the star rated license system, and the Division of Child Development and other system partners believe that the state is now ready to think toward the future for an even stronger Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a broader system focused on systems-level quality improvements as well as efforts to further support quality child care and informed decision-making for families. The field of early childhood education now benefits from an expanded body of research that further defines child care quality indicators and ways to improve quality, which has contributed to the vision of a stronger system and has led to the formation of the Quality Rating and Improvement System Advisory Committee.

The mission of the QRIS Advisory Committee is to review the current system, provide a vision for the future of the QRIS, and make recommendations for short and long-term changes that will lead the state toward that vision. These recommendations will include suggestions for policy revisions and initiatives that will improve and enhance our current system. The committee will study and review the North Carolina early care and education system and gather additional resources as necessary. A diverse group of individuals, including for-profit, not-for-profit, and government sponsored child care providers, as well as state and community partners have been identified to provide the broadest possible set of perspectives for consideration by the Division of Child Development, the Child Care Commission, and other key early care and education stakeholders.

The Advisory Committee work will culminate with a report of all recommendations that will be shared with the Child Care Commission and other key early care and education system partners.

Attention Child Care Center Directors:

The Division of Child Development invites you to attend a Directors Meeting. Your child care consultant will soon be mailing you an invitation that provides the meeting date, location, and time. This meeting will be divided into two parts.

The first hour, we will be distributing a copy of the revised Child Care Center Handbook (one copy per center) and will discuss changes that have occurred to the Handbook.

In the second hour, we will be sharing information about a new publication titled, Infant-Toddler Foundations: Guidelines for Development and Learning for North Carolina’s Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 36 Months) and distributing one copy per center.

The Division will be "going green" for this meeting, and therefore will not be providing copies of the presentation handouts. You should download presentation handouts and bring them with you to the meeting. Click here for instructions on how to print handouts.

Child Care Center Handbook in Powerpoint
Infant-Toddler Foundations Overview in Powerpoint

Proposed Rule Changes

Due to the possibility of inclement weather across various parts of the state this week, the third quarter Child Care Commission meeting has been postponed until Thursday, March 11, 2010. There will still be a Public Hearing on Thursday, February 4, 2010 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. regarding requirements for Developmental Day Services. In addition, during the March 11th Commission meeting, there will be an opportunity to comment on these Developmental Day rules.

The March 11, 2010 Public Hearing and Commission meeting will both be held at the Division of Child Development, 319 Chapanoke Road, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC. Comments will be accepted through March 16, 2010.

Attention Child Care Center Directors:

The Division of Child Development invites you to attend a Directors Meeting. Your child care consultant will soon be mailing you an invitation that provides the meeting date, location, and time. This meeting will be divided into two parts.

The first hour, we will be distributing a copy of the revised Child Care Center Handbook (one copy per center) and will discuss changes that have occurred to the Handbook.

In the second hour, we will be sharing information about a new publication titled, Infant-Toddler Foundations: Guidelines for Development and Learning for North Carolina’s Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 36 Months) and distributing one copy per center.

The Division will be "going green" for this meeting, and therefore will not be providing copies of the presentation handouts. You should download presentation handouts and bring them with you to the meeting. Click here for instructions on how to print handouts.

Child Care Center Handbook Overview in Powerpoint
Infant-Toddler Foundations Overview in Powerpoint

The NC Child Care Commission is proposing rule changes in the areas of children's health and nutrition, enriching outdoor activities and quality school-age care, based on research reviewed on outdoor learning environments, quality activities for school-age care, and preventing obesity in young children. Other changes are reformatting or a change in placement of existing rules that are already being followed and enforced.

Proposed rule text.

Allocation of Child Care Subsidy Funds for State Fiscal Year 2009-10 Memorandum

2009 H1N1 Flu What Do I Need to Know and Do? (English)

2009 H1N1 Flu What Do I Need to Know and Do? (Spanish)

CDC Says “Take 3” Steps To Fight The Flu

NC Early Childhood Administrator Test Schedule 2010 Equivalency tests for the administration coursework required to be qualified as a North Carolina Early Childhood Administrator.

New and Revised Forms from the Workforce Section/Education Unit

Click here to read a memo about changes in the application (Education and Equivalency) forms and the Change of Information form used by child care providers when submitting education paperwork and updating their records. The new forms are posted at Providers/Provider Documents.

Please begin using the new forms (dated 8/09) for all future applications and changes of information.

As of August 1, 2009, old versions of the credential applications (for Early Childhood, Family Child Care, and School Age Child Care) are no longer accepted. Application for any of these credentials should be made on the (combined) North Carolina Credentials Application DCD.0168, which was developed earlier in 2009 and revised in 8/09. This form has been distributed to the community college early childhood instructors and is available at Providers/Provider Documents.

The NC Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP), in partnership with over 22 state and local organizations, announces the release of the state’s first centralized, online statewide database on afterschool trainings and professional development opportunities. Afterschool staff and directors can access the database to identify area trainings and plan staff professional development. The new website features a user-friendly, searchable catalog of trainings that users can sort by geographical region, training competency, skill level of staff member, provider of training, and more.

Visit www.ncafterschooltraining.com to view the Professional Development Training Database. First-time users can also download a “User’s Guide,” available on the website.

The database is a product of a statewide initiative led by NC CAP, NCSU 4-H Youth Development and the NC Afterschool Coalition over the past year. Other member representation on the group includes the major public and private afterschool providers, State agencies, afterschool member associations, NC’s Community College System, and early childhood care providers. This group is working to create a comprehensive professional development system that will motivate afterschool staff to increase their level of education, and in turn, to improve the level of quality care they provide.

Contact Jamie Knowles at jknowles@ncforum.org or (919) 781-6833 ext. 115 for more information.

New Income Eligibility Levels Established for Subsidized Child Care Program

Families who meet the need criteria of the Subsidized Child Care Program may now be eligible for financial assistance under the new income eligibility guidelines. Financial assistance can be provided if the local purchasing agency has subsidy funding available.

Click here for the June 2009 Child Care Subsidy Market Rate Study. The 2009 Child Care Market Rate study was conducted by the Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services (CUACS) at North Carolina State University for the North Carolina Division of Child Development. In general, “market rates” are the maximum payment rates for providers participating in the subsidized child care program. The purpose of the Market Rate study is to collect information needed to make recommendations for market rates for subsidized child care in North Carolina by analyzing the rates that families are charged for child care. This study represents North Carolina’s third survey of child care rates by the five licensing levels of the Rated License.

**Please note that the October 1, 2007 market rates remain in effect. No adjustments to the current market rates are planned at this time.**

Change in Licensing Fees Effective October 2009

Based on changes made by the NC Legislature to NC General Statute 110-90(1a), effective October 2009 there is an increase to the license fee schedule for child care centers. In addition, all licensed Family Child Care Homes will be required to pay an annual licensing fee. This does not apply to religious sponsored programs operating pursuant to a Notice of Compliance, or to state or public school operated child care centers.

Effective October 2009 the Licensing Fee schedule is as follows: Licensed Capacity Fee 12 or fewer children $52.00 13-50 children $187.00 51-100 children $375.00 101 or more children $600.00

The Division has prepared and is mailing all providers the 2009 Licensing Fee schedule. To view a copy of the brochure click here.

To view a copy of our Frequently Asked Questions about licensing fees, click here.

Income Eligibility Limits Increased for Subsidized Child Care Program

The maximum income eligibility limits for child care subsidy services have been revised as a result of State law that requires such updating every two years. The new income limits apply to families who apply for services on or after August 1, 2009 and families currently receiving child care subsidy services, at their annual redetermination or when a change is reported in the family’s situation.

Maximum Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Limits for Subsidized Child Care Services effective August 1, 2009

Maximum Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Limits and fee percentages for Subsidized Child Care Services effective August 1, 2009

NC Standardized Equivalency Test for Child Care Administrators
September 26, 2009

In July 2009 the NC Division of Child Development submitted its 2010-2011 Child Care and Development Fund Plan to the Child Care Bureau for approval. This plan, which will guide the ongoing work of the Division for the next two years, will be permanently posted on the NC Child Care Snapshot page once it is approved. To view this plan, click here.

NC Early Childhood Administrator Test Schedule 2009-2010 Equivalency tests for the administration coursework required to be qualified as a North Carolina Early Childhood Administrator.

Temporary policy has been developed to disregard the earnings received by a parent or responsible adult who is employed as a temporary worker with the Census Bureau. This policy is effective immediately and the Division will notify counties when it is no longer in effect.

The NC Child Care Commission is proposing rule changes in the areas of children’s health and nutrition, enriching outdoor activities and quality school age care based on research reviewed on outdoor learning environments, quality activities for school age care and preventing obesity in young children. Changes to the definition of ‘health care professional’ are also being made as a result of legislation approved during the current General Assembly session.

Click here for proposed rule text.

New Director for NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development

Maria Spaulding, DHHS Deputy Secretary is pleased to announce that effective June 2, 2009 Deborah “Deb” J. Cassidy has been named Director of the Division of Child Development.

Dr. Cassidy comes to DCD from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with more than nineteen years experience as a professor of Human Development and Family Studies, coordinator of the Birth-Kindergarten Licensure Program, and the Child Development Education Program which is an on-campus child care program serving more than 82 children. Additionally, Dr. Cassidy served as the Project Director for the Rated License Assessment Project at the University for approximately 10 years.

Cassidy's credentials include a Ph.D. in Child Development and Early Childhood from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois focusing on young children’s memory and object location. Dr. Cassidy has authored or co-authored dozens of reports and articles dealing with early childhood issues, most published in the Journal of Research in Childhood Education and the Early Childhood Education Journal.

Please join the Division in welcoming Dr. Cassidy to the Department of Health and Human Services, and to the Department’s leadership team and child care community.

2009 Summer Camp Directory
A resource guide for families with children who have special needs.

DCD Administrative Letter
Expanded Eligibility for Parents/Responsible Adults Seeking Employment #01-09

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - 2010-2011 Child Care and Development Fund
Public Hearing Date and Location: A Public hearing on North Carolina’s 2010-2011 Proposed CCDF Plan will be held June 2, 2009, 4:30-6:00 PM, in room 300 at the Division of Child Development, 319 Chapanoke Road in Raleigh, 27603.

Directions to Division of Child Development

Meeting Education Requirements for Child Care Staff
The following resources are available to help child care providers understand education requirements, the process to apply and be qualified for a position, and how to update their records with the Child Care Workforce Standards Section of the North Carolina Division of Child Development:

Guidelines to Education Evaluations for Child Care Providers: Application Process and Documentation

Child Care Workforce Education Evaluation: Criteria and Policy

Nationally Recognized Regional Accreditation of Colleges

Lead Teacher Equivalency Options

NC Early Childhood Administration Credential and Equivalency

NC Early Childhood Administrator Test Schedule 2009-2010
Equivalency tests for the administration coursework required to be qualified as a North Carolina Early Childhood Administrator.

Guidelines to High School Diplomas and Equivalents

CDC Swine Flu Information Update

CDC Swine (H1N1) Flu Information Update for K-12 Schools and Child Care Facilities (5/5/2009)
Interim CDC Guidance in response to human infections with, and how to prevent the spread of the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus.

On December 1, 2008, important changes to the NC Sex Offender Registry law went into effect. North Carolina General Statute §14-208 contains the complete language of the law.

Some of the new restrictions and changes have a direct impact on child care facilities. These include a requirement that all licensed child care centers register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19)

You should be aware of the changes to the sex offender statute and how they may impact your business. You can read more about the law online and register for the e-mail notification at http://ncfindoffender.com.

If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff’s department.

Changes to when to enroll for Kindergarten

For more information, click here

Infant-Toddler Foundations

The Division of Child Development is proud to announce the publication of early learning guidelines for infants and toddlers (birth through 36 months of age).

Subsidy Funding Authorizations

The Division of Child Development is pleased to announce that the Subsidy Funding Authorizations are now on the website. They are found under the County Staff tab. Funding Authorizations for SFY 08-09 to date are included for your convenience.

Administration Credential Test Flier

DHHS Criminal Record Checks

The Division of Child Development houses the unit that performs criminal record checks for many DHHS divisions. In addition to criminal record checks for child care providers, the unit performs checks for adoption / foster care, EMS personnel, and selected DHHS personnel. Look for the tab on our home page in order to access the information for criminal record checks, or click here.

NC Awarded Technical Assistance Grant to Promote Healthy Social Emotional Development

North Carolina is participating in a new early childhood professional development opportunity designed to support the social and emotional development of children birth through five. The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) has developed its Pyramid Model for promoting young children’s social and emotional skills and for preventing and addressing challenging behavior. CSEFEL has also developed extensive, user-friendly training materials, videos, and print resources to help North Carolina’s child care providers, communities and programs implement the model. To find out more about CSEFEL , the Pyramid Model and North Carolina’s involvement in the project, click click here.

The schedule for Child Care Pre-licensing Workshops offered in November / December 2008 has been posted. This workshop is required for anyone interested in opening a child care center.

2008-09 County Facts Sheet

2008-09 Statewide Facts Sheet

Access the latest version of the Subsidized Child Care Services Manual

Allocation of Child Care Subsidy Funds for State Fiscal Year 2008-2009

Be Active Kids® Train-the-Trainer

NCECAC Standardized Testing Registration Form 2008

NCECAC Standardized Testing Information 2008 - 2009

Rule Changes Effective July 1, 2008

DCD Administrative Letter #01-08
Disregard of 2008 Economic Stimulus Payments for Child Care Subsidy Services

2008 General Testing Information

Changes in the Criminal Records Check Process

Child Care Center Rule Change Summary Mailing

Family Child Care Home Rule Change Summary Mailing

Temporary Suspension of Requirements for Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine

NC Child Care Commission Notice of Public Hearing for February 7, 2008

Criminal Record Check Rule Changes

Rule Changes Effective November and December 2007

• Full Rule Text

Lead Teacher Test-Out Option Coming to an End

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released an updated handout entitled Preventing the Flu in 2007-2008: Strategies and Resources for Child Care Providers and Out-of-Home Caregivers of Children. The handout is now available at http://www.healthychildcare.org/pdf/PreventingFlu%20ChildCareProviders%2007-08.pdf.

Child Care Subsidy Fact Sheets for 2007-2008

The 2007 Child Care Market Rate Study was conducted by the Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services at North Carolina State University for the Division of Child Development. Market rates are the maximum payment rates for providers of subsidized child care. The purpose of the Market Rate Study was to collect information about what parents in North Carolina paid for child care in October 2006 so that new market rates for the Subsidized Child Care Program could be considered. This is North Carolina’s third survey of child care rates by the five licensing levels of the rated license. Surveys were sent to over 8,700 regulated child care centers and family child care homes to obtain information on the number and ages of children served and the rates for child care services. Click here to view the full report.

The N.C. General Assembly passed legislation in 2007 for new market rates to become effective on October 1, 2007. The new rates apply to child care facilities with ratings of 3-5 stars and are based on partial implementation of recommended rate adjustments from the 2007 survey. Click on these links to view the new market rates for child care centers and family child care homes.

In addition, the Division of Child Development has updated the subsidy rate calculator to reflect the current market rates as of October 1, 2007. The updated calculator can be found by clicking here.

Choosing Quality Child Care

• Maximum Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Limits for Subsidized Child Care Services effective August 1, 2007
• Maximum Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Limits and fee percentages for Subsidized Child Care Services effective August 1, 2007

1. Maximum Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Limits for Subsidized Child Care Services effective August 1, 2007
2. Maximum Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Limits and fee percentages for Subsidized Child Care Services effective August 1, 2007

• 2007 Proposed Rule Changes
  The following documents describe the language that was initially proposed by the NC Child Care Commission. A public hearing was held on the first set of rules in February, and on the second set in April. The comment period for both sets of rules is now closed. This language is currently under review by the Commission, and has not yet been adopted. The final rules that are adopted may include additional language. At this time the earliest effective date would be November 1, 2007.
• Summary of First Set of Proposed Rule Changes for Child Care Centers
• Full Text for First Set
• Summary of Second Set of Proposed Rule Changes for Child Care Centers
• Full Text for Second Set

• Subsidy Rate Calculator
  Concerned that your subsidy payment rate may change when you transition to the Two-Component Star Rated License? Select the Subsidy Rate Calculator link for instructions to calculate your subsidy payment at your current star license level and calculate the potential subsidy payment for your revised star rated license. Comparing the rates for each star rated license will help you determine any potential changes in your subsidy payment.

• Public Hearing Notice.

• Changes to Child Care Sanitation Rules
• Legislative Changes for the Star Rated License
• NEW: Child Care Subsidy Funding Situation for 2005-06
• Rule Changes Effective January 1, 2006

• Prelicensing workshops are available

• DCD Legislative Report on Subsidized Child Care Reimbursement
• Rule Changes Effective March 1, 2006

• Celebrate the Week of the Young Child

• Public Hearing on Child Care Rules

• Summer Safety Tips

• Access and review the county market rates for Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers for 1-5 star licensed programs that became effective October 1, 2006.

• Rule Changes for FCCH Effective November 1, 2006

• Child Care Subsidy Facts Sheet for 2006-2007

• Tips for a Healthier New Year
• 20 Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Kids
• Brain Development - It's FUNdamental

• Health and Safety Issues of African American Families

• Tax Tips 2005 for Child Care Providers and Parents

• Celebrate the Week of the Young Child
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month

• Mental Health Month
• Provider Appreciation Day
• Asthma and Allergy

• Summer Safety Tips

• Immunizations Awareness Month

• NC Child Passenger Safety Requirements and Recommendations

• SIDS Awareness

• Winter Fun and Safety
• New Years 2004

• National Children's Dental Health Month
• Honoring Black History Month
• 14 Ways to Show Love for Your Child This Valentine's Day

• Tax Tips for Child Care Providers and Parents

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
• Celebrate the Week of the Young Child
• Playground Safety

• Asthma and Allergy Awareness
• Cleaning and Sanitizing in Child Care
• Provider Appreciation Day

• The Role of Fathers in Child Development
• Summer Safety Tips

• Transportation Safety

• Choosing Quality Child Care
• Resources for School-Age Child Care

• New Child Restraint Law
• Lights on Afterschool
• Shut the Door on Lead Poisoning

• Holiday Tips

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

• Celebrating Fathers

• Summer Safety Tips

• Childhood Immunizations

• DEET and Mosquito Repellent Containing DEET Use

• Halloween Safety Tips
• October is SIDS Awareness Month

• Honoring Native American Heritage

• Holiday Safety and Stress Management