Licensed child care centers are inspected twice per year using the
North Carolina Rules Governing the Sanitation of Child Care Centers, 15A NCAC 18A .2800. These inspections address many areas of sanitation related to the child care setting. Proper diapering and handwashing procedures, food preparation and service, communicable disease control, and the outdoor learning environment are some examples of what is evaluated during an inspection. Child care centers are evaluated using a demerit system in which a classification of superior, approved, provisional, or diapproved is given.
- A child care center is classified as superior if the demerit score does not exceed 15 and no 6-point demerit item is violated.
- An approved classification is assigned if the demerit score is 15 and does not exceed 30 and no 6 point demerit item is violated.
- A provisional classification is assigned if any 6 point demerit item is violated or if the total number of demerits is more than 30 but does not exceed 45. The provisional classification period cannot exceed 7 days unless construction or renvoation is necessary to correct any violation in which case the Environmental Health Specialist may specify a longer provisional classification period.
- If a demerit score exceeds 45 or if the conditions which resulted in a provisional classification have not been corrected in a time period specified by the Environmental Health Specialist, the establishment is assigned a disapproved status.
New child care centers and existing child care centers under renovation must complete a required plan review process. This plan review process begins with the submission of a completed child care center plan review application. In additions to this application, plans (drawn to scale), specifications for changes to building dimensions, kitchen specifications, and a $200.00 fee. It is important to remember that the plan review process includes approval from other associated agencies such as City or County Zoning, City or County Building Inspections, and Fire Services.