Stay Informed: North Carolina Child Care Laws

Author: Auger Law | November 19th, 2014

Very few parents want to leave their children behind while they go to work or attend class. Unfortunately, most parents are forced to do just that. Choosing a child care provider for your children is one of the most important decisions that you can make.

Opening a child care center in North Carolina involves much more than hanging a shingle and calling yourself a provider. There are strict guidelines and laws in place that are designed to protect providers, parents and children. Knowing the basics can help you choose the right center for your child.

• Discipline—Corporal punishment is not permitted in any child care center unless it is exempt from these regulations due to religious beliefs and practices. Corporal punishment includes slapping, spanking or any form of physical punishment.
• Ratios—Group size varies depending upon the age of children in the center. Infant groups have a maximum size of 10, while school-aged children can be grouped together in numbers totaling no more than 25. Teacher to student ratios vary from 1 to 5 to 1 to 25 dependent upon the age of the children.
• Credentials—Administration and teaching staff must hold a North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential or its equivalent. Those who do not must currently be pursuing licensure within six months of hire.
• Background Checks—All staff of the day care center must pass an initial background check and another every three years of employ.
• Space—Indoor space must equal at least 25-square feet per child, and outdoor space must equal at least 75-square feet per child. Outdoor spaces must be fenced.
• Equipment—All equipment must be age appropriate, well maintained, and free of hazards.

The above is just a small sampling of the laws and regulations that can be found in a report provided by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. Aside from these laws, it is also important to understand your rights as a parent. These are:

• The right to enter a child care home or center at any time that your child is present.
• The right to see the license of the center displayed prominently.
• The right to know how your child will be disciplined should such discipline be necessary.

No one wants to think of a child being injured or abused in a center that is supposed to provide for their safety, health and wellbeing but, unfortunately, these things do happen. If you believe that your child has been hurt or injured due to neglect of the administration or any employee of a child care center, contact the law offices of Auger & Auger immediately.

We offer free consultation and will confer over every detail of your case. Our team of experienced daycare accident lawyers is here to fight for your rights and those of your child. Call us today to discuss your case! We are here for you.