The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project, Executive Summary

This document presents an overview of assessment scores from the first six years of the Star Rated License implementation in North Carolina. Findings primarily apply to the quality of care in programs applying for three, four, or five points in program standards. As of November 2005, there were 9,217 star rated licenses issued to centers and homes. In 2005, the largest proportion of centers (31 percent) and homes (35 percent) had three stars. The percentage of centers and homes in the upper tiers of stars has increased from 2002 to 2005. Child care quality is assessed for preschool classrooms, infant classrooms, school-age classrooms, and family child care homes. Findings provide evidence of an increase in rating scale scores in child care centers with increasing levels of teacher education. Findings suggest a gradual increase in rating scale scores when home providers have more education. Annotated resources are provided for recent publications and presentations on child care quality.