State Law Requires License to Run Day Care Center

State law requires a license for people in North Carolina who care for more than two children who aren't their own.

The law applies to neighborhood day care centers as well. The license provides the state with a record of the child care operation and gives state regulators a way to log complaints.

"People can call and ask what's in the file," said Peggy Ball, Child Development Division. "They can ask us is this person a registered family home. Do they meet the requirements."

State lawmakers are now considering tightening up the requirements to force anyone who wants to run a day care to get a license. The bill would also require child care providers to have a certain level of education and training.