Choosing the right child care program is one of the most crucial decisions a parent will make. Every child is unique and deserves a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development. Research consistently shows that high-quality child care programs play a significant role in preparing children for school and enhancing their future success. Furthermore, employers also benefit when their employees have access to reliable, quality child care, leading to increased productivity and focus at work. This creates a positive cycle where parents, children, and employers all thrive.
One key aspect of ensuring quality is understanding the Star Rated License system. In North Carolina, most licensed child care programs (excluding religious sponsored programs) participate in a star-rating system, similar to rating systems for various products and services. A One-Star rating indicates that the program meets the state’s minimum child care requirements. In contrast, a Five-Star license signifies that the program adheres to voluntary, enhanced standards, representing the highest level of quality. Parents can review a program’s child care license, which is required to be posted, to see their scores in Staff Education and Program Standards, the two primary components of the rating. The license also indicates if the program has earned a Quality Point. For detailed information, the “Star-Rated License” tab at the top of the page offers further insights.
Leveraging the Division of Child Development for Your Child Care Search
The North Carolina Division of Child Development is dedicated to empowering parents with the information they need to make informed child care choices. The Division maintains records of regulated child care facilities, offering valuable data to aid your search. This information, accessible through their online search tool, includes:
- Star rated license details
- Sanitation scores to ensure a healthy environment
- Records of complaint investigations
- Reports of visits by Division staff
- Information on any administrative actions taken against a facility.
Practical Steps to Gather Information on Child Care Facilities
To effectively gather information and make the best choice for your child, consider these steps:
- Seek Recommendations from Your Network: Start by talking to people you trust – friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Their firsthand experiences with different child care programs can provide valuable insights.
For additional resources and support in your search for quality child care, be sure to explore the parent resources page. This page provides links to other helpful websites that can assist you in making the right decision for your child and family.
