If you are caring for more than two children who aren't related to you for more than four hours a day, you might need to be licensed. If you do not meet any of the exemption scenarios provided below, then you need to apply for a license. The exemptions are Recreational programs operated for less than four consecutive months in a year

Specialized activities or instruction such as athletics, dance, art, music lessons, horseback riding, gymnastics, or organized clubs for children, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H groups, or boys and girls clubs

Drop-in or short-term care provided while parents participate in activities that are not employment related and where the parents are on the premises or otherwise easily accessible, such as drop-in or short-term care provided in health spas, bowling alleys, shopping malls, resort hotels, or churches

Public Schools

Nonpublic schools that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and that operate a child care facility for less than six and one-half hours per day

Vacation Bible Schools

Centers and Homes located on federal property over which the federal government has control (military based and the Cherokee Indian reservation)

Cooperative arrangements among parents to provide care for their own children as a convenience rather than for employment

Any child care program or arrangement consisting of two or more separate components, each of which operates for four hours or less per day with different children attending each component

Determine the kind of child care program you want to offer. This is important because the application/forms vary based on size and type of program. If you want to provide care in your home for a maximum of five preschool children, or up to eight children if at least three are school-aged, then you need to follow the Family Child Care Home application process

If you want to provide care for more than five preschool children, then you need to follow the Child Care Centers application process. The number of children you can care for is based upon indoor and outdoor square footage, completed building fire and sanitation inspections and any local zoning ordinances

Child Care Center Application Process:

1. Contact the Division of Child Development and request the Basic Information for Potential Providers booklet. You can call our toll-free number 800.859.0829 (in-state calls only) or 919.662.4499. The booklet, available free of charge, describes the state requirements for operating a Child Care Center in North Carolina. Check with your county or city governments to find out if there are additional local standards.

2. A registration form to attend a Prelicensing Workshop is included with the Basic Information for Potential Providers booklet. Attendance at a Prelicensing Workshop is required for anyone interested in opening a Child Care Center. The workshop leader will discuss topics such as:

Issues to consider in selecting both a site and a building for a Child Care Center
The role of building, fire, and sanitation inspectors, as well as the child care consultants
Caregiving requirements for young children

This change is effective January 1, 2010

The cost of the two day workshop is $100.00 for one person. You will receive a copy of the Child Care Handbook, which describes North Carolina licensing requirements and includes resource materials. The cost for a second person is $75.00 if the handbook is shared during the workshop.

3. After attending the Prelicensing Workshop, you will receive the name and phone number of the Licensing supervisor in your area. The licensing supervisor will assign a child care consultant to work with you. Your consultant will schedule several prelicensing visits with you to talk about the specific licensing requirements for your center and to assist you in completing the application forms.

4. Once it is determined that all applicable requirements have been met, the license will be issued.

2. If you have questions regarding the information in the application packet, contact the child care consultant that is listed on the cover of your packet.

3. Complete the application form and mail it to your consultant. Your consultant will usually contact you within two weeks of receiving your application to arrange a time to visit your home and complete the application process.

4. The application packet also explains the steps to complete the required Criminal Records Background Check. The operator of the Family Child Care Home, as well as any employees, must complete the Criminal Record Background Check. New Family Child Care Home providers must ensure that all household members over the age of 15 who are present while children are in care also complete a Criminal Record Background Check.

5. Once it is determined that all applicable requirements have been met, the license will be issued.