North Carolina Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)

In North Carolina, caring for one or two children does not require a license

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regulation is triggered only when three or more children under 13 years old, who do not reside where the care is provided, receive care on a regular basis of at least once per week for more than four hours but less than 24 hours per day from persons other than their guardians or relatives (N.C.

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exempt arrangements include public schools, recreational programs operated for less than four consecutive months in a year, and cooperative arrangements among parents to care for their own children).

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A North Carolina family child care home may be licensed for one of three capacity options, counting the operator's own preschool-age children and excluding the operator's own school-age children up to 13 years of age: a maximum of 8 children, with no more than 5 from birth to 5 years of age, plus 3 school-age children

NCDHHS/DCDEE "State Budget Language About New Family Childcare Ratio" notice

or a total of 9 children (3 from birth to 24 months, plus 3 from 2 to 5 years, plus 3 school-age up to 13)

3 from birth to 24 months, plus 3 from 2 to 5 years, plus 3 school-age up to 13

or a maximum of 10 children if all are older than 24 months of age (NCDHHS/DCDEE "State Budget Language About New Family Childcare Ratio" notice

NCDHHS/DCDEE "State Budget Language About New Family Childcare Ratio" notice

Stat. 110-86(3) and 110-91, as revised by the 2023 state budget).

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How many children can I care for in North Carolina without a license?

In North Carolina, caring for one or two children does not require a license; regulation is triggered only when three or more children under 13 years old, who do not reside where the care is provided, receive care on a regular basis of at least once per week for more than four hours but less than 24 hours per day from persons other than their guardians or relatives (N.C. Gen. Stat. 110-86(2); exempt arrangements include public schools, recreational programs operated for less than four consecutive months in a year, and cooperative arrangements among parents to care for their own children).

What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in North Carolina?

Operating above the North Carolina exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education about the correct credential before you begin.

Does North Carolina offer a voluntary registration for small providers?

Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether North Carolina offers a voluntary registry with the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education.