North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education

The Commission discussed several key items including reappointments to the commission, the Director's report regarding legislative status and QRIS modernization, a rulemaking petition from the Children's Council of Watauga County, and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) rule amendments. The meeting also included an update on the periodic review of existing rules, a public hearing regarding corporal punishment and star-rated license rules, a curriculum review update from the QRIS Subcommittee, discussions on school-age children rulemaking, and a review of Session Law 2025-36 regulatory reforms.

This document, the North Carolina Early Childhood Family Engagement and Leadership Framework, defines and guides the inclusion of family engagement concepts across early childhood sectors and agencies. It outlines equity-centered family engagement and leadership, providing action items for individuals, programs, and systems. The framework is built upon five critical elements: Prioritizing Relationships, Sharing Power, Investing Time & Resources, Promoting Accessibility, and Committing to Reflection. The vision is for North Carolina's birth to five early childhood systems to be family-centered and equitable, serving children within the context of their families and communities, ultimately aiming to build, improve, and align early childhood systems to be equity-driven and meet the needs of young children and their families.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. Key discussions included an outline of procedures for the public hearing regarding Proposed Amendments to Child Care Rules to Align with Child Care and Development Fund Rules, and the welcoming of two new Commission Appointees. The Commission approved the minutes from the April 22, 2025 and May 12, 2025 meetings. The commission finalized the 2026 meeting dates, noting the division's upcoming office relocation which will affect material distribution. Discussions covered recommendations for strengthening the Early Care and Education Workforce through trauma-informed care initiatives. During the Public Hearing, amendments concerning CCDF Requirements were reviewed and public comments were received. The Commission voted to publish the proposed amendment regarding 10A NCAC 09 .2102 Use of Corporal Punishment and the proposed repeal of Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization rules (10A NCAC 09 Section .2800). An overview of recent legislation, including HB 402 (NC REINS Act), detailing new financial cost thresholds and voting restrictions for rulemaking, was provided. A rulemaking petition concerning school-age exemptions was heard and subsequently denied. An update on the Curriculum Review Process outlined a streamlined timeline for the next review cycle. The Director's Report covered federal legislation impacts, major child care regulatory reforms enacted by Session Law 2025-36, updates on disaster recovery funding utilization for Hurricane Ian impacted facilities, Preschool Development Grant (PDG B-5) renewal, and the QRIS transition timeline.

The meeting included a review of public comments on proposed amendments to several rules related to child care and development, including staff orientation, health and safety training, and requirements for family child care home operators. The Commission discussed clarification from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) regarding federal requirements for child development training. There was also a discussion on Commissioner roles and responsibilities, including meeting requirements and setting up a digital location for Commissioners. Additionally, the Commission briefly discussed Session Law 2025-36 Child Care Regulatory Reforms and planned a more in-depth review at the next meeting.

The meeting included a legislative update, discussion of CCDF required rule changes and fiscal analysis, and concerns about corporal punishment in religious-sponsored child care facilities. The commission discussed the curriculum review process and follow-up items from special meetings, including accreditation review, CEU rule requirements, pathways for longevity/quality and school-age care, and CLIAR requirements. Advocacy efforts were also discussed, such as local/county ordinances, funding for training and professional development, and support for infant care and NC Pre-K programs.