Licensed Free Search State-verified

Licensed Daycare in North Carolina

Search 4,108 verified daycare and childcare centers across North Carolina, sourced directly from NC Division of Child Development and Early Education . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

4,108
Licensed Centers
$980/mo
Avg Infant Care
$750/mo
Avg Preschool
1:5
Infant Ratio

North Carolina Childcare Licensing

In North Carolina, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:15 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at NC Division of Child Development and Early Education

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
NC Division of Child Development and Early Education
Infant ratio
1:5
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:15
Avg infant cost
$980/mo
Avg preschool cost
$750/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in North Carolina

View all cities →
Charlotte
189 centers
Raleigh
99 centers
Greensboro
90 centers
Durham
53 centers
Winston Salem
51 centers
Asheville
40 centers
Statesville
39 centers
Reidsville
37 centers
Fayetteville
35 centers
Wilmington
29 centers
Greenville
24 centers
Gastonia
23 centers
Financial help

North Carolina Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

North Carolina families can apply for NC Child Care Subsidy Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (919) 814-6300

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in North Carolina

Preschool Program
514 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
514 centers
Head Start Center
514 centers
Before & After School Care
514 centers
Montessori School
513 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
513 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 4,108 →
A Group Care

Asheville Little Stars Daycare #197

Zcta 289hh

School Age (5+) Cap 26
A Preschool

Asheville Rainbow Learning Center #198

Advance

Preschool (2-5) Cap 40
A Head Start

Asheville Bright Futures Daycare #199

Ararat

2 years - 12 years Cap 113
L Before/After School

Little Hearts Asheville #200

Belews Creek

School Age (5+) Cap 35
A Infant Care

Asheville Kids First Academy #201

Boonville

Preschool (2-5) Cap 116
A Montessori

Asheville Sunshine Daycare #202

Clemmons

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 59
T Licensed Center

Tiny Tots of Asheville #203

Cleveland

Infants & Toddlers Cap 21
A Family Daycare

Asheville Early Learning Center #204

Cooleemee

School Age (5+) Cap 83
A Group Care

Asheville ABC Childcare #205

Danbury

School Age (5+) Cap 77
A Preschool

Asheville Bright Beginnings #206

Dobson

Preschool (2-5) Cap 119
G Head Start

Growing Minds Asheville #207

East Bend

2 years - 12 years Cap 51
A Before/After School

Asheville Children's Place #208

Germanton

School Age (5+) Cap 74

Daycare in North Carolina — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in North Carolina is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us/search.asp.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in North Carolina?
State minimums in North Carolina are roughly 1:5 infants, 1:6 toddlers, and 1:15 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in North Carolina?
Full-time infant care averages about $980/month; preschool runs around $750/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like North Carolina trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in North Carolina?
Yes. The primary state program is NC Child Care Subsidy Program, reachable at (919) 814-6300. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a North Carolina daycare?
File a complaint with the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 4,108 Licensed North Carolina Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.

Browse All North Carolina Centers Compare Daycare Options