Senate Bill 876 Summary

• Authorizes the North Carolina Child Care Commission to adopt rules establishing alternative pathways for child care facilities to earn 2-5 star ratings based on program assessment, classroom/instructional quality, accreditation, or other designated pathways

• Allows facilities with national accreditations to receive automatic star ratings: three stars for NECPA, NAFCC, AMS, or IMC accreditation; five stars for NAEYC, NAC, or Cognia accreditation with early learning standards

• Prohibits reassessment of facilities with existing 2-5 star ratings until new QRIS reform rules become effective, though facilities may voluntarily request assessment

• Effective February 1, 2025, lowers the required percentage of lead teachers meeting education requirements from 75% to 50% to earn education points toward star ratings

• Appropriates $500,000 in recurring funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year 2024-2025 to cover administrative costs of implementing the reform