Childcare in Durham, NC: Choosing and Arranging Care

Match the care arrangement to your household

Write down your child's age, the days you need care, your earliest drop-off and latest pickup, and your intended start date. Include school pickup, meals, medication and any support your child needs. Use this same brief when you speak with each provider so you can compare the answers.

North Carolina's parent guidance recommends choosing between a center and a family child care home according to your child's individual needs. It identifies a family child care home as a possible fit for a child who prefers a small setting and recommends visiting and observing before deciding. [3]

For a nanny or sitter, describe the work in your home: care duties, outings, driving, meal preparation and any household tasks. Ask about references, screening and current first-aid and CPR training. Agree on who provides backup care if the caregiver cannot attend.

Build a shortlist through the state search

The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education facility search lets you select Durham as a city or county and filter by ages served, facility type and permit type. It also includes filters for subsidy participation, transportation, sick-child care, Head Start and NC Pre-K. [2]

Use those filters to identify candidates, then ask each provider to confirm the services you need and a place for your child's age group. Request the license number so you can match the record to the location you plan to use. Treat an opening as confirmed only after you and the provider agree on enrollment and the start date.

State parent guidance says families can use the facility search to review monitoring visits and administrative actions. Read those records before the tour, then ask the director about any concern and how staff addressed it. The state also identifies local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies as a source of help with finding care. [3]

Use the tour to check daily care

Ask to observe the room your child would join. Watch how caregivers respond when a child needs help, how they supervise transitions and how they communicate with parents. Ask who would care for your child during staff breaks or absences, and request an explanation of how staff handle injuries, illness and emergencies.

Discuss your child's needs through concrete examples. Explain an allergy, a difficult transition or a medication schedule and ask the caregiver to describe their response. For an infant, ask staff to explain sleep arrangements and feeding records. For school-age care, confirm who collects the child and how staff verify authorized pickup.

The state's published guidance describes one star as meeting minimum licensing requirements and two through five stars as reflecting higher program standards and staff education levels. Use the rating as part of your review, alongside the records and your visit. [3]

Check assistance before committing your budget

Durham County DSS serves qualifying low-income families with children ages 0 through 12 who live in the county and work or attend school. Its page also lists priority groups that may qualify, including children in protective services or foster care, families residing in a homeless shelter, teen parents enrolled in high school or working toward a GED, and children with special needs or developmental delays. [1]

The county directs families interested in applying for subsidy to call 919-560-8300 or email [email protected]. It provides a Check My Spot option for adding a name to the waitlist or checking a position. Ask DSS about your circumstances, the next application step and how to coordinate assistance with a prospective provider. [1]

Ask the provider to separate tuition from registration charges, deposits, meals, transportation and late-pickup fees. Request the payment schedule, closure calendar, absence policy and withdrawal notice period. If you are seeking subsidy, ask what you would owe while awaiting a decision and how the provider would handle an approved award.

North Carolina's published child care license rating scale

Choose your next step

Your hiring checklist

1. Prepare your child's age, schedule, start date and support needs.
2. Match each prospective facility to its official record and license number.
3. Read monitoring records and prepare questions about any concerns.
4. Visit the room or home where your child would receive care.
5. Confirm an opening, daily hours, pickup rules and backup arrangements.
6. Request itemized charges, closure dates and withdrawal terms.
7. If seeking assistance, clarify the application status and your payment responsibility.
8. Keep a copy of the signed agreement and emergency contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check a prospective facility?

Use the official state facility search to find the location. State guidance says the search includes information about standards, monitoring visits and administrative actions. Review those records and ask the provider to explain any concerns before you enroll. [2] [3]

Does a higher star rating replace a visit?

Use both. State guidance describes the licensing scale and recommends visiting and observing to judge the fit for your family. Ask about daily supervision, communication and your child's needs during the visit. [3]

Where do I start with childcare subsidy?

Durham County directs applicants to 919-560-8300 or [email protected]. Explain your county residence, child's age and circumstances, then ask about eligibility, application steps and the waitlist. [1]

How should I compare prices?

Request quotes for the same days and hours. Compare tuition, required fees, deposits, transportation, closures and withdrawal terms. Ask the provider to state your payment responsibility in writing before you agree to care.