North Carolina Child Care Licensing 2.01 Notes

Critical Questions Journal Question: Why does NC require licensing of child care centers?

To protect the rights of people To protect those who cannot protect themselves (children) To prevent unnecessary harm To regulate groups that serve the needs of our public Why does NC require licensing?

Licensing Information and Procedures Licensing agency: Dept. of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development Issuance of Permit: Must apply for a permit first Pre-licensing: Potential providers are encouraged to attend pre-licensing workshops Local zoning requirements: Facility must comply with State Laws and local ordinances (health, safety, welfare) Application for license: Must apply using a form provided by the Division of Child Dev. and submit prior to inspection from the Division

Issuance of License: Must demonstrate the ability to comply with requirements. Includes room arrangement, staffing, appropriate equipment, and supplies. Issuance of temporary license: Issues to operators who open a new center or previously owned center when a change of ownership or location occurs. – Up to 6 months

Types of Licenses Temporary: – Operators who open a new center Provisional: – Operators who fail to meet standards – Center is making an effort to meet requirements but haven’t been fully met yet – Up to 12 months Special provisional: – When child abuse or neglect has occurred in center – Up to 6 months Probationary: – When a violation has been willful, continual or hazardous – Up to 1 year – Center remains open during this time

…Types of Licenses Rated: – Based on program standards, education level of staff, and compliance history – 1 Star Rated: Meets minimum requirements in each component Minimum compliance history of 60% – Higher Level Rated: Meet higher voluntary requirements Based on program standards, ed. Levels of staff and compliance history Centers ear up to 5 pts. In each component of Rated License Total points determine number of stars

Compliance History… Compliance history score generated before receiving Rated License Based on compliance for 3 years Point values based on degree of threat to health and safety

3 Required Inspections 1. Building Codes and Inspections – Must either meet Building Codes for centers in a residence or for Educational or Institutional Occupancy 2. Fire Inspections – By a local fire inspector to meet NC Fire Codes 3. Sanitation Inspections – By a local Environmental Health Specialist from the county health department prior to receiving a license and annually thereafter

2.01 Pre-Test

If a center failed to keep a monthly record of the outside play area, could that affect the center’s ability to obtain a license? And, if so, which type of document would be needed? A. No, not on the list B. No, not required C. Yes, Playground Inspection Reports

After being sick, if a child still requires a prescription be given, can the child return to child care? And, if so, what document would be needed? A. No, not on the list B. No, not required C. Yes, Record of Medications Administered

If a center failed to keep track of how many days children missed due to sickness or other reasons, could that affect the center’s ability to obtain a license? And, if so, which type of document would be needed? A. No, not required B. Yes, Children’s Records C. Yes, Daily Attendance Records

A Child Care Rule states: "A Two-Five Star Rated License will be issued to child care operators who meet the higher voluntary requirements of the child care rules." Which means the same as this? A. All programs must have at least a Two-Star Rated License to operate in this state. B. Programs who do not meet basic requirements can choose to earn two to five stars. C. Programs who meet additional requirements beyond the minimum can earn up to five stars.

A Child Care Rule states: "A Probationary License is a permit that may be issued to child care providers when it is determined that a violation of the statutes or rules has been willful, continual or hazardous to the health and safety of children." Which means the same as this? A. Child care programs may remain open unless violations are hazardous to the children. B. This permit allows a day care to remain open while corrections are made. C. Probationary license means problems have been found and must be corrected to reopen.

A Child Care Rule states: "A Provisional License is a permit that may be issued to child care providers who fail to meet minimum standards." Which means the same as this? A. The center has hazards for the children that need to be corrected so a star license can be issued. B. The applicant is making reasonable efforts to conform to requirements but hasn’t fully complied. C. This is a permanent license that can’t be changed.

A Child Care Rule states: "A One-Star Rated License may be issued to all child care centers that meet the minimum requirements for the issuance of a license." Which means the same as this? To receive a license: A. centers only have to meet basic requirements. B. centers only have to meet requirements for religious- sponsored centers. C. centers only have to meet fire and sanitation requirements.

A NC General Statute allows "religious- sponsored child care centers the option of being issued a license or a notice of compliance." Which means the same as this? Child care programs in churches: A. are required to meet the same licensing standards as other child care programs. B. may operate with a notice of compliance instead of a license. C. who take the exemptions are not required to meet any of the child care licensing requirements.

A General Statute states: "Local Zoning Requirements: All child care facilities must comply with all state and federal laws and local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare." Which means the same as this? A. Child care programs are not required to follow local zoning laws. B. Child care programs have their own separate zoning regulations to follow. C. Child care programs have to follow zoning laws in the area in which they are located.