Licensed Child Care vs. Unlicensed Child Care

Do you know the difference between licensed and unlicensed child care? It can sometimes be confusing. The following information can help you make an educated choice when you are searching for quality care for your child.

Licensed Child Care - Licensed child care programs are licensed and then monitored yearly by the NC Division of Child Development. They are required to meet health and safety standards and the providers are required to have CPR training yearly and First Aid training every three years. Most licensed providers are also required to attend child care training annually. Licensed care may be found in child care centers, church-based centers and family child care homes. Different rules and regulations apply to each. A licensed child care provider will have his/her license prominently displayed for parents to see.

Unlicensed but Legally-Operating Child Care - Unlicensed child care provider may operate legally if they do the following:

• Care for only 1-2 children not related to them ( may also care for as many children as they want that are related to them)

• Care for as many children not related to them as they want for less than 4 hours per day.

However, even though these unlicensed providers are legally operating, they are not monitored by any regulatory agency and are not required to meet any minimum health and safety standards, to have CPR or First Aid, or to attend child care training. This type of care may be found in family child care homes or in part-day preschools in homes, churches or in conjunction with other organizations.

Illegally-Operating Child Care - Child care providers are operating illegally if they are not licensed and are caring for more than 2 children not related to them for more than 4 hours per day. Again, these providers are not monitored by any regulatory agency and are not required to meet any minimum health and safety standards, to have CPR or First Aid, or to attend child care training. Typically, this type of care is found in homes. Be aware, as of December 1, 2003, it is a felony to operate an illegal child care facility in the state of North Carolina.

If you have any questions about your child's potential or current child care providers and their licensing information please contact Ashley Singleton at 975-4647 ext. 6 or the NC Division of Child Development at http://www.ncchildcare.net.