10A NCAC 09 .3202         application for a two through five star rated license

(a)  After a licensed child care facility has demonstrated compliance with applicable child care requirements while operating with a temporary license as set forth in Rules .0403 and .1701 of this Chapter, the operator may apply for an initial two through five-star rated license.

(b)  The operator shall submit a completed application to the Division for a two through five-star rated license on the form provided by the Division. The substance of the form shall cover requirements established by statute and the rules of this Chapter.

(c)  An operator may select one of three licensure pathways in order to earn a two through five-star rated license. The operator shall meet the requirements set forth in this Section for the star rating desired within the selected licensure pathway. Requirements for licensure pathways may not be combined. The three licensure pathways are as follows:

(1)           Program Assessment Pathway as set forth in Rules .3203 and .3204 of this Section;

(2)           Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway as set forth in Rules .3205 and .3206 of this Section: and

(3)           Accreditation and Head Start Pathway as set forth in Rule .3207 of this Section.

(d)  A Division representative shall assess a facility requesting a two through five-star rated license to determine if all applicable requirements have been met to achieve the requested star rating. The assessment shall include a review of Division records and site visits.

(e)  Upon completion of the Divisions assessment:

(1)           If the assessment indicates all the applicable requirements to achieve the requested rating have been met, the Division shall issue the rating.

(2)           If the assessment indicates all the applicable requirements to achieve the requested rating have not been met, the Division shall notify the operator of the requirements that were not met and the requested two through five-star rating shall not be issued. The operator may:

(A)          accept the rating for which the Division has found the operator to be eligible;

(B)          withdraw the request and reapply when the identified requirements to achieve the requested rating have been met; or

(C)          appeal the denial of the requested rating as provided in G.S. 110-91.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-85(3); 110-88(7); 110-90(4); 143B-168.3; S.L. 2011-145, s.10.7(b); 42 USCS 9858e; 45 CFR 98.45;

Eff. July 1, 2025.