Bill > H412

This bill introduces comprehensive child care regulatory reforms aimed at balancing health and safety standards with increasing child care availability and affordability. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan by May 1, 2026, to separate the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) from state-subsidized child care program requirements, while completing a new market rate study that includes potential rates not segmented by star-rating. The bill modifies several key child care regulations, including expanding the definition of a lead teacher to potentially support two groups of children, adjusting staff-child ratios for infants and toddlers, and creating more flexible credentialing pathways for child care workers. It introduces new provisions for school-age child care, such as allowing the Weikart Youth Program Quality Assessment as an evaluation tool and creating a new School Age/Out-of-School Care Credential. The bill also addresses building code requirements for family child care homes, making it easier for providers to operate in residential settings while maintaining basic safety standards. Additionally, it establishes a workgroup to explore group liability insurance opportunities for child care providers and creates provisions for Department of Defense family child care homes operating outside military installations. The overall intent is to reduce regulatory barriers, potentially lower child care costs, and increase the supply of child care options while maintaining essential safety protections.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H412