NC H412

Division of Child Development and Early Education must develop a plan by May 1, 2026, to separate the quality rating improvement system (QRIS) from State-subsidized child care program requirements and payments, along with a new market rate study

Staff-child ratio group sizes increased for infants and toddlers: 0-12 months from 10 to 15 children per group, 12-24 months from 12 to 18 children per group, with lead teachers now permitted to oversee up to two groups instead of one

Lead teacher credentials expanded to recognize five years of documented teaching experience in a licensed North Carolina child care facility as equivalent to the NC Early Childhood Credential

Department of Defense family child care homes operating outside military installation boundaries are exempt from State licensure requirements if DOD-certified and serving only DOD-eligible children

Family child care homes reclassified as Residential Group R-3 occupancy under building codes, requiring only basic fire safety measures including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher within 40 feet, and evacuation plans