The information provided on this page is a basic outline of North Carolina Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of North Carolina. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
NORTH CAROLINA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Child Development Regulatory Services Section
2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699
(919) 662-4499,
Provision License for first year, then continuous license obtained.
Indoor Space Requirements: 25 sf per child
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0-12 Mos. |
12-24 Mos. |
2-3 Years |
3-4 Years |
4-5 Years |
5+ Years |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:5 |
1:6 |
1:10 |
1:15 |
1:20 |
1:25 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
10 |
12 |
20 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
10 |
12 |
20 |
25 |
20 |
25 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
250 sf. |
300 sf. |
500 sf. |
750 sf. |
500 sf. |
750 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- The play area for 2-1/2 yea old and younger must be separated from older children by a 4′ high fence or wall.
- Each child in care, including infants and toddlers, must be given the opportunity for outdoor play each day that weather conditions permit..
- The center must provide space and time for vigorous indoor activities when weather conditions prevent playing outdoors..
- An outdoor play area must be provided for at least one half of the total child care center capacity.
Building Code Requirements
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 |
 |
 |
 |
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CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
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1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
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12 |
All ages can be combined when there are 12 or fewer children in the center. |
120 |
Apply for licensure not less than 120 days prior to your intended open for business date. |
3 |
Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age |
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Did you know . . .
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Firearms and ammunition are prohibited in a licensed child care center unless carried by a law enforcement officer. |  |
Centers with a licensed capacity of 30 or more children shall have at least four activity areas available in the space occupied by a group of children. |  |
“Lockdown drill” means an emergency safety procedure in which occupants of the facility remain in a locked indoor space. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019