NC S634

Requires child care center administrators to obtain the North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential by specified deadlines, with existing administrators having until July 1, 2021.

Mandates lead teachers in child care centers earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and an Infant-Toddler or Preschool Certificate within 18 months of hire, with existing teachers having until July 1, 2021.

Requires family child care home operators to be at least 21 years old, hold the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential, and earn an Infant-Toddler or Preschool Certificate within 18 months of licensure, with existing operators having until July 1, 2021.

Applies new credential requirements to religious-sponsored child care facilities effective July 1, 2024, with exemptions for administrators, lead teachers, and operators to meet requirements.

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a program by July 1, 2020, providing subsidy enhancements to child care programs that employ credentialed lead teachers with associate degrees and to conduct a feasibility study for an infant-toddler pilot program similar to the NC Pre-K program.