To improve the quality of child care in North Carolina, the Division of Child Development has created the following credentials.

1. For Lead Teachers – The North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC)
     
   Students must earn a grade of C or better in EDU 119 (four semester credit hours). 
   
   Application Form
     
2. For Administrators – The North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential (NCECAC)
     
   Students must successfully complete three required components: administration coursework, additional early childhood/child development coursework and a portfolio. Level I is the minimum level required by law for all child care administrators. Levels II and III are voluntary.
   
   Course content and demonstrated competency (portfolio):
   
   Level I: Five semester credit hours of administration coursework (two courses) plus seven semester credit hours of Early Childhood Education coursework plus Level I portfolio
   
   Level II: Five semester credit hours of administration coursework (two courses) plus ASS degree in Early Childhood Education plus Level II portfolio
   
   Level III: Five semester credit hours of administration coursework (two courses) plus BS degree in Child Development plus Level III portfolio
   
   Application Form
   
   
3. For Teachers of School-Age Children - The North Carolina School-Age Child Care Credential (NCSACCC)
   
   Students must successfully complete EDU 145 and EDU 235 OR EDU 145 and EDU 263.
   
   Application Form