NC S291

Extends the expiration date from June 30, 2023 to June 30, 2026 for the hold harmless provision that allows licensed child care facilities to earn education points with 50% of lead teachers meeting rated licensed education requirements (reduced from the standard 75% threshold).

Requires the North Carolina Child Care Commission to complete and submit recommendations for Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS/Star-Rating System) reform to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by March 31, 2024, before the 2024 legislative session begins.

Mandates that the Commission's QRIS reform recommendations include accreditations from seven national early childhood education accreditation organizations as alternative pathways for licensed child care programs to earn equivalent star ratings.

Specifies eligible accreditation organizations: NAEYC Academy, NAC, NECPA, NAFCC, AMS, IMC, and Cognia (formerly AdvanceED).