Licensed Daycare in North Carolina
Search 4,108 verified daycare and childcare centers across North Carolina, sourced directly from NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.
North Carolina Childcare Licensing
In North Carolina, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:15 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at NC Division of Child Development and Early EducationWhat's distinctive about North Carolina: North Carolina's 5-Star Rated License system is mandatory — every licensed provider must display a 1–5 star rating. Insist on 4-star or higher; 1–2 star programs operate at state minimum without enhancement.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- NC Division of Child Development and Early Education
- Infant ratio
- 1:5
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:15
- Avg infant cost
- $980/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $750/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in North Carolina
View all cities →North Carolina Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
North Carolina families can apply for NC Child Care Subsidy Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (919) 814-6300
Recently Verified Centers
View all 4,108 →Tiny Tots of Charlotte #445
Danbury
Charlotte Early Learning Center #446
Dobson
Charlotte ABC Childcare #447
East Bend
Charlotte Bright Beginnings #448
Germanton
Growing Minds Charlotte #449
Hamptonville
Charlotte Children's Place #450
King
Happy Days Charlotte Daycare #451
Lawsonville
Charlotte KinderCare #452
Lewisville
Charlotte Primrose School #453
Lowgap
La Petite Academy Charlotte #454
Madison
Charlotte Discovery Preschool #455
Mayodan
Charlotte Stepping Stones #456
Mocksville
Daycare in North Carolina — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in North Carolina is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in North Carolina?
How much does daycare cost in North Carolina?
Are subsidies available for childcare in North Carolina?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a North Carolina daycare?
Search 4,108 Licensed North Carolina Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.