The Star System

In September of 2000 the state of North Carolina introduced a new system of rating licenses for childcare centers and home-based child-care providers. The new "star system" assigns one to five stars to each facility's license. This system helps parents to quickly assess the quality of childcare programs and encourages care providers to continually improve their level of service.

Are All Facilities Ranked?

The star system is voluntary. One star indicates that the center meets the state's minimum criteria for childcare. Additional stars reflect a center's further commitment to quality in a given area. Only childcare centers and family childcare homes are rated. Religious sponsored childcare programs operate with a certificate of compliance and no star rating.

What Are the Criteria for Stars?

The star system measures performance in the following three categories:

  1. Program Standards
  2. Staff Education
  3. Compliance History.

    4. Providers are awarded points based on the overall quality of their program standards.

    Some factors used to evaluate quality include:

    • The square footage allotted for activities.
    • The variety and quantity of play materials.
    • The ratio of adult caregivers to children.
    • The interaction of adults and children, children with their peers, and children with activities and materials.

    Other aspects evaluated include child supervision, staff to child ratios, staff qualifications, health, safety, sanitation, fire, transportation, and management. Providers can also earn points if the education and experience level of their staff exceeds state requirements. The more formal education and experience the director and teachers have, the higher the number of points earned. Childcare providers are given a score from one to five for a total of up to fifteen points. Stars are then assigned according to the following point totals:

    One star = 3-4 points

    Two stars = 5-7 points

    Three stars = 8-10 points

    Four stars = 11-13 points

    Five stars = 14-15 points

    How Can You Find Out About A Specific Provider?

    All childcare providers are required to post their license on the premises. The number of points a facility is awarded in each area appears on their license, so you can actually see the areas where your center is exceeding standards.

    Your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency can give you information on the star rating for specific facilities. Wake County: 832-7175 · Orange County: 967-3272 · Durham County: 403-6950.