1. (a) This Rule shall apply when evaluating the education of a group leader for a child care center, as required by Rule .2510(c) of this Chapter.
2. (b) A child care provider meets the two-star education standard for group leaders if the provider successfully completes BSAC training.

3. (c) A child care provider meets the three-star education standard for group leaders if the provider meets, at minimum, the following requirements:

   1. (1) Successful completion of BSAC training; and
   2. (2) Annual completion of at least 0.5 continuing education credits related to school-age care, in addition to applicable requirements in Rules .1103 and .2510 of this Chapter; or
   3. (3) Has at least three months licensed or unlicensed school-age care experience.

4. (d) A child care provider meets the four-star education standard for group leaders if the provider meets, at minimum, the requirements set forth in Option One, Option Two, or Option Three as follows:

   1. (1) Option One:

      1. (A) Successful completion of BSAC training; and
      2. (B) Annual completion of at least 1.0 continuing education credit related to school-age care, in addition to applicable requirements in Rules .1103 and .2510 of this Chapter.
   2. (2) Option Two: Is currently enrolled in at least two semester hours of school-age care coursework at an accredited college or university if BSAC has not yet been completed as set forth in Rule .2510(j) of this Chapter.

   3. (3) Option Three:

      1. (A) Successful completion of BSAC training; and
      2. (B) Have at least three months licensed or unlicensed school-age care experience.

5. (e) A child care provider meets the five-star education standard for group leaders if the provider meets, at minimum, the requirements set forth in Option One or Option Two as follows:

   1. (1) Option One:

      1. (A) Group leader is at least eighteen years of age; and
      2. (B) Successful completion of BSAC training; and
      3. (C) Be enrolled in or have successfully completed at least two semester hours of school-age care coursework at an accredited college or university; and
      4. (D) Have at least six months licensed or unlicensed school-age care experience.

   2. (2) Option Two:

      1. (A) Group leader is at least eighteen years of age; and
      2. (B) Successful completion of BSAC training; and
      3. (C) Annual completion of at least 1.5 continuing education credits related to school-age care, in addition to applicable requirements in Rules .1103 and .2510 of this Chapter; and
      4. (D) Have at least nine months licensed or unlicensed school-age care experience.

History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85(3); 110-88(7); 110-90(4); 143B-168.3; S.L. 2023-40; S.L. 2024-34; 42 U.S.C. 9858e; 45 CFR 98.45;
Eff. July 1, 2025.