Child Care

Child Care Centers

The Environmental Health section completes sanitation inspections on all child care centers in Cumberland County twice each fiscal year, and one time in each six-month period. All child care centers are licensed by the Division of Child Development and inspections performed by this department are forwarded to their agency.

Some of the items noted during the inspection include:

• Handwashing
• Food sources and storage, protection and service
• Kitchen requirements
• Cleaning and sanitizing of food preparation areas
• Water supply and temperatures
• Diaper-changing procedures and facility
• Storage areas
• Chemical and medicine storage
• Beds, cots and linens
• Overall cleaning and sanitizing of the facility
• Construction of the facility
• Lighting and thermal environment
• Control of communicable disease
• Outdoor learning environment and premises

Regulated Child Care in NC

If you are caring for more than two children who aren’t related to you for more than four hours a day, you might need to be licensed by the Division of Child Development and Early Education. There are several exemptions from licensure, see http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us for more information.

What is a Family Child Care Home?

A Family Child Care Home (FCCH) is a child care arrangement located in a residence where, at any one time, more than two children (maximum of five pre-school children or up to eight if at least three children are school-aged), but less than nine children who receive child care. A FCCH is licensed by the Division of Child Development and Early Education.

Constructing a New Child Care Center

Regulations Governing the Sanitation of Family Child Care Homes

Family Child Care Home Application

Regulations Governing the Sanitation of Child Care Centers

Child Care Plan Review Application