10A ncac 09 .3215         enhanced education standards for group leaders in child care centers

(a)  This Rule shall apply when evaluating the education of a group leader for a child care center, as required by Rule .2510(c) of this Chapter.

(b)  A child care provider meets the two-star education standard for group leaders if the provider successfully completes BSAC training.

(c)  A child care provider meets the three-star education standard for group leaders if the provider meets, at minimum, the following requirements:

(1)           Successful completion of BSAC training; and

(2)           Annual completion of at least 0.5 continuing education credits related to school-age care, in addition to applicable requirements in Rules .1103 and .2510 of this Chapter; or

(3)           Has at least three months licensed or unlicensed school-age care experience.

(d)  A child care provider meets the four-star education standard for group leaders if the provider meets, at minimum, the requirements set forth in Option One, Option Two, or Option Three as follows:

(1)           Option One:

(A)          Successful completion of BSAC training; and

(B)          Annual completion of at least 1.0 continuing education credit related to school-age care, in addition to applicable requirements in Rules .1103 and .2510 of this Chapter.

(2)           Option Two: Is currently enrolled in at least two semester hours of school-age care coursework at an accredited college or university if BSAC has not yet been completed as set forth in Rule .2510(j) of this Chapter.

(3)           Option Three:

(A)          Successful completion of BSAC training; and

(B)          Have at least three months licensed or unlicensed school-age care experience.

(e)  A child care provider meets the five-star education standard for group leaders if the provider meets, at minimum, the requirements set forth in Option One or Option Two as follows:

(1)           Option One:

(A)          Group leader is at least eighteen years of age; and

(B)          Successful completion of BSAC training; and

(C)          Be enrolled in or have successfully completed at least two semester hours of school-age care coursework at an accredited college or university; and

(D)          Have at least six months licensed or unlicensed school-age care experience.

(2)           Option Two:

(A)          Group leader is at least eighteen years of age; and

(B)          Successful completion of BSAC training; and

(C)          Annual completion of at least 1.5 continuing education credits related to school-age care, in addition to applicable requirements in Rules .1103 and .2510 of this Chapter; and

(D)          Have at least nine months licensed or unlicensed school-age care experience.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-85(3); 110-88(7); 110-90(4); 143B-168.3; S.L. 2023-40; S.L. 2024-34; 42 U.S.C. 9858e; 45 CFR 98.45;

Eff. July 1, 2025.