Tips and Quality Indicators
Discover what quality care looks like and how to spot the programs that best support children’s growth and safety.
For Families
Evaluate Child Care
When families need to use child care, it’s important that their children are enrolled in the highest quality care possible.
Tips for Choosing Quality Child Care
Several research studies have found that high quality child care programs have certain characteristics in common. These characteristics can help parents make better child care choices for their children because they indicate a much greater likelihood of high quality care. Quality indicators measure the conditions that generally foster a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children.
Quality Indicators
Prior experience and education of the director
Low teacher turnover
Why These Indicators Matter
- Low ratios and low turnover allow teachers to truly get to know each child, giving them the attention they need to feel secure and loved.
- Teachers with more education better understand how young children learn and grow, helping them plan activities and talk with kids in ways that help support development.
- When teachers are paid well and feel supported, they stay longer — allowing children to build strong, lasting relationships instead of frequent goodbyes.
- Programs with national accreditation or higher standards show a commitment to going beyond the basics to provide high-quality care.
Danger Signals: What to Watch For
It’s completely normal to have questions when choosing or monitoring child care. Many concerns can be solved simply with good, open communication. But if something feels off, trust your instincts—your child’s safety and well-being come first.
The work of parents doesn’t stop once you’ve chosen a program. You are your child’s best advocate. In North Carolina, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) usually visits licensed programs only once a year, so your eyes, ears, and voice really matter. Staying involved helps make sure your child has a safe, nurturing, and high-quality experience.
Warning Signs
- The program discourages drop-in visits or questions from parents.
- Parents must knock or call before entering.
- Staff talk to each other more than they engage with children.
- The provider seems harsh, indifferent or unresponsive to children.
- There are too few adults for the number of children present.
- The facility is unclean or unsafe (broken toys, unsafe play areas, etc.).
- Toys or materials are in short supply or kept out of reach.
- There’s a pattern of excessive accidents or frequent illnesses.
- Your child comes home unusually upset, withdrawn, or anxious most days.
- Your child shows sudden changes in behavior (more clingy, aggressive, or regressing).
- Your child talks about scary or upsetting things happening at child care.
- Your child seems extremely tired, hungry, or thirsty after a full day.
- Your child has frequent unexplained bruises, marks, or injuries.
Important Reminder:
It is always a good idea to share your concerns directly with your child care provider first. Sometimes a simple conversation can clear things up or lead to positive changes. Most providers truly want what’s best for children and may welcome your feedback.
What to Do if You’re Concerned
If the issue involves physical or emotional harm, or you believe the situation puts any child at risk, report it immediately.
Even if you decide to move your child to another program, reporting concerns can protect other children and improve care in your community. You are your child’s best advocate. Your instincts, observations, and involvement play a vital role in creating a safe and loving care environment for your child—and for others.
855-327-5933
How to Review a Program’s Compliance History
The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education monitors all regulated child care programs in North Carolina. Consultants from the Division’s regulatory department inspect programs and investigate complaints, in order to ensure compliance with child care laws. Inspection reports, complaints, and investigation results, filed in the regulatory office in Raleigh, are public records, thus available for public viewing.
- Visit the DCDEE Facility Search Page
- Enter the facility name and county, then click Search.
- Select your facility from the list.
- Click the DCDEE Visits tab to view visits and violations from the past 3 years.
- To request more details (like substantiated complaints or sanitation reports), click Additional Information.
Parents may request two years of reports at no cost.
- Call 1-800-859-0829 (NC) or 919-814-6300 (out of state)
- Office hours: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST, Mon–Fri
- Expect 3–5 weeks for processing.
Division of Child Development and Early Education
1915 Health Services Way
Raleigh, NC 27607
Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
