Senate committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.

Removes provisions: (1) requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division) to develop a proposed plan by May 1, 2026, to separate the quality rating improvement system (QRIS) from the requirements and payments for participation in the State subsidized child care program using the market rate study required by the act and make recommendations on its implementation while meeting the federal Child Care and Development Fund requirements; (2) amending the definition of lead teacher in GS 110-86; and (3) requiring caregivers for children aged 0 to 24 months to meet Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant health and safety standards as well as the specified Commission rules. Makes organizational changes. Makes conforming changes to act’s long title.

Part I (was, Part II).

Reinstates provisions of GS 110-91(6) (mandatory standards for a license) that require playgrounds and athletic fields that do not meet licensure standards promulgated by the NC Child Care Commission (Commission) to be noted on the program’s licensure and rating information, except as otherwise provided. Allows child care administrators to also obtain the School-Age Administration Credential when exclusively providing school age childcare as one of the ways of meeting the qualifications for childcare staff under GS 110-91(8)(a). Makes conforming changes.

Makes technical change to new Section 8.(a1) of SL 2024-34.

Part II.

Reorganizes Section 12 of Part II (establishing a workgroup to examine the potential for developing group liability insurance plan opportunities for childcare providers) of the previous edition into new Part II, with the following changes. Expands the scope of the workgroup to include all nongovernmental contractors that contract with DHHS and any county or local agency administering programs of public assistance as described. Expands the members of the workgroup to include representatives from Benchmarks NC. Removes the representatives from the child care industry and replaces that slot with NC Licensed Child Care Association.