Childcare in Charlotte, NC: Choosing and Arranging Care

Choose care around the hours you need

Write down the earliest drop-off, latest pickup and days you need care. Include travel time between care, school and work. For a school-age child, separate ordinary school days from holidays and other closure days. Ask providers to confirm which parts of that schedule they can cover before you spend time touring.

North Carolina's child care guidance recommends choosing a program that fits your child's individual needs. The state notes that a family child care home may suit a child who prefers a small setting. Visit and observe either type of program before deciding. Ask who will care for your child, how the day runs and how caregivers handle transitions. [3]

For a nanny or sitter, prepare a separate interview around the duties you expect: meals, school pickup, bedtime or care for siblings. Ask for references, screening information and evidence of relevant first-aid and CPR training. Agree on who can drive your child and what the caregiver should do if you cannot return on time.

Review records before paying a deposit

The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education directs parents to its Facility Search Site for information about centers and family child care homes. Parents can review standards, visits and administrative actions. The state also identifies local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies as a source of help finding care in a county. [3]

The state FAQ describes licensed facilities with one through five stars. It explains that one star represents minimum licensing requirements, while two through five stars reflect higher program standards and staff education levels. Review the facility's detailed record alongside the rating, and ask the director to explain any concern you find. [3]

During your visit, ask how caregivers supervise play, authorize pickup, handle allergies and communicate injuries or illness. Request the discipline policy and emergency plan. Describe your child's needs in concrete terms, including medication, toileting or support during transitions, and ask the provider to explain how staff would respond.

Check CMS school-care availability first

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools operates the After School Enrichment Program, or ASEP, with activities that include homework sessions, arts, sports and STEAM. CMS states that the North Carolina Division of Child Development licenses its ASEP sites. Check the participating location for your child's school rather than assuming the program covers your assignment. [1] [2]

CMS requires families to submit a registration contract each year they need ASEP or before-school care. Registration does not carry over. CMS also says a site absent from Eleyo has reached capacity and no longer accepts registration contracts. Even a site accepting contracts may have limited space or waitlist availability. Seek an alternative while you clarify your child's placement. [2]

Before accepting a place, confirm the care hours, pickup deadline and calendar with the program. Ask about the days your child will attend, any transportation arrangement and who may collect them. Keep a backup plan for days the program does not cover and for changes in your work schedule.

Get a price you can compare

CMS publishes different fees by dismissal time and care option. Its after-school listings range from $52 for sites with a 4:15 bell to $86 for sites with a 2:45 bell. Several dismissal groups list $115 for combined before- and after-school care. CMS does not specify the billing period on this page. Confirm that detail before converting these figures into a monthly budget. [1]

For any provider, request a written quote for your child's age, attendance days and hours. Ask about registration charges, deposits, meals, transportation, late pickup, absences and paid closure days. For a caregiver working in your home, include the number of children and agreed duties. Compare the total for the same schedule, and keep fees with different billing periods separate until you can reconcile them.

Before paying, ask the provider to confirm the start date, cancellation terms and notice required to end care. Clarify whether a payment reserves a place or only puts your child on a waitlist. Keep the agreement and your pickup instructions together so another authorized adult can follow the same plan.

CMS listed after-school fees by dismissal time

Choose the next step for your care needs

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down your child's age, care days, drop-off time and pickup deadline.
2. Review the facility record and bring specific questions to the visit.
3. Ask who supervises your child and who covers caregiver absences.
4. Discuss allergies, medication, emergency contacts and authorized pickup.
5. Confirm a place and start date before relying on the arrangement.
6. Get the full price, billing period, deposit and cancellation terms in writing.
7. Plan backup care for illness, closures and schedule changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check a licensed childcare provider?

Use the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education's Facility Search Site to review facility standards, visits and administrative actions. Ask the provider about the record and visit to observe the setting before enrolling. [3]

Does my CMS school-care registration renew?

CMS requires a registration contract each year care is needed. ASEP/BSC registration does not carry over from one year to the next. [2]

Does a site listed in Eleyo guarantee a place?

CMS says sites accepting registration may still have limited space or waitlist availability. Ask for confirmation of your child's placement and start date before relying on coverage. [2]

Can I use the CMS fee table as a monthly childcare estimate?

Confirm the billing period first. CMS lists fees by dismissal time and care option. CMS does not specify the billing period on this page. Use these amounts to compare CMS school-care options; request separate quotes for private daycare or nanny care. [1]