Licensed Daycare in North Carolina
Find the right daycare in North Carolina in under 5 minutes. 4,108 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Free, 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
Official North Carolina & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Recently Verified Centers
View all 4,108 →Kids R Us Greensboro #229
Cherokee
Greensboro Learning Tree #230
Clyde
Jumping Jacks Greensboro #231
Columbus
Greensboro Sunflower Daycare #232
Cullowhee
Greensboro Panda Kids Academy #233
Dillsboro
Greensboro Wonder Years #234
East Flat Rock
Little Genius Greensboro #235
Etowah
Greensboro Cloud Nine Kids #236
Fairview
Nurturing Hearts Greensboro #237
Flat Rock
Greensboro Smart Start Academy #238
Fletcher
Greensboro Little Angels #239
Fontana Dam
Explorer Kids Greensboro #240
Franklin
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.