45-Hour Child Care Training in North Carolina: Requirements and Options - post

Directors and child care staff: this article explains the basics of the #45Hour courses you hear about and how they fit into work in #NorthCarolina. You will see who needs training, what topics count, where to find approved options, and how to use the hours for staff qualifications. 

Who in my program needs the 45‑hour training?

Many people on your team may benefit. North Carolina rules define who is a child care #provider and list job qualifications — see the Division rules at 10A NCAC Chapter 09.

1. 👩‍🏫 Lead teachers and teachers — often expected to hold an early childhood credential or coursework. Learn teacher qualification details in NC DCDEE WORKS: Teacher Requirements | DCDEE WORKS.
2. 🧑‍💼 Directors and administrators — need administration coursework or approved credentials. See options at Early Childhood Administrator Requirements.
3. 👶 Infant/toddler staff — programs often ask for the 45-hour Infant & Toddler training to build skills for babies and toddlers; ChildCareEd offers a specific 45-Hour Infant and Toddler Curriculum.
4. 📚 New hires and assistants — many centers use 45-hour courses to meet hiring expectations and to start staff on a path to higher credentials.

Why this matters: programs use these trainings to meet job standards and to protect children. If you want staff to step up to lead or director roles, 45-hour courses are a common building block toward higher credentials. #training #providers #director

What topics and hours count toward a 45‑hour course?

A full 45‑hour course usually focuses on one topic area or role. Typical course types include growth & development, age-specific curriculum, infant & toddler care, school-age curriculum, and director/administration training. ChildCareEd lists many 45-hour options such as 45 Hour Growth & Development, 45-Hour Preschool Curriculum, and 45 Hours Director-Administration.

1. 🟢 Typical content included (but check course details):
   • Child growth and development
   • Age-appropriate curriculum and activities
   • Health & safety basics tied to the age group
   • Classroom management and routines
   • Program leadership or admin practices (for director courses)
2. 🟣 Complementary skills often required outside the 45 hours:
   1. CPR and First Aid (skills checks may be in-person)
   2. Background checks and health screenings
   3. Preservice health & safety topics (see preservice training)

Note: Some states combine two 45-hour courses into a 90-hour certificate for lead teachers. That is common in other states and with ChildCareEd programs. In North Carolina, use the DCDEE WORKS pages and your licensing specialist to confirm which 45-hour trainings will count for the position you need.

How can I get the 45‑hour training? (formats and step-by-step)

There are three main formats. Child care programs choose the format that fits staff schedules and learning needs. ChildCareEd offers online self-paced, blended, and instructor-led Zoom or in-person formats — see their online course list at ChildCareEd Online Courses and specific 45-hour listings like 45 Hour Child Growth & Development (Zoom/in-person).

1. 🖥️ Online self-paced: good for busy staff. Example: 45 hour Growth & Development (online).
2. 💻 Blended / Zoom + online: part live interaction, part online lessons. Example: Zoom/in-person growth & development.
3. 🏫 In-person instructor-led: useful for hands-on topics and group practice (some ChildCareEd sessions shown at Upcoming Instructor-led Classes).

Step-by-step plan for directors who enroll staff:

1. 📌 Decide which 45-hour course fits the job (infant/toddler, preschool, school-age, or director).
2. 📎 Confirm approval: ask your licensing specialist or check that the course lists NC approval (ChildCareEd shows approved contact hours and state approvals at Approved Contact Hours: NC).
3. 🗓️ Schedule time and set completion dates for staff.
4. 🗂️ Collect and file certificates and copies for DCDEE WORKS when you apply for staff qualification.

Quick tip: plan CPR/First Aid skills checks in advance, because online-only CPR may not meet the skill requirement. If staff will use vouchers or state funds for training, watch voucher deadlines and rules for completion.

How do I use the 45 hours for NC qualifications and avoid common mistakes?

Using the hours correctly helps staff move up to lead teacher or admin roles. North Carolina tracks qualifications through the DCDEE WORKS system — see Teacher Requirements and Early Childhood Administrator Requirements. Here are practical steps and common mistakes to avoid.

1. 📁 Documentation steps:
   • 1) Save original certificates and file a scanned copy in staff files.
   • 2) Upload required documents to DCDEE WORKS when applying for position qualification.
   • 3) Keep a simple training log that lists course name, date, hours, and provider.
2. ⚠️ Common mistakes and how to avoid them:
   1. ❌ Mistake: Enrolling in a course not approved by NC. ✅ Avoid: confirm approval with your licensing specialist or the provider.
   2. ❌ Mistake: Losing certificates. ✅ Avoid: scan and save digital copies immediately.
   3. ❌ Mistake: Assuming online CPR is enough. ✅ Avoid: check if an in-person skills check is required.
   4. ❌ Mistake: Waiting until last minute to finish voucher trainings. ✅ Avoid: schedule early and note voucher expiration dates.
3. 🔁 How 45 hours fit into bigger steps:
   • 1) Two 45-hour courses sometimes form a 90-hour pathway used by other states or programs.
   • 2) For director or lead requirements in NC, pair 45-hour training with required coursework, degrees, or credentials as shown on DCDEE pages.

Why it matters: Good training keeps children safe and helps your staff feel confident. Clear records and approved courses protect your program during licensing visits. If you want to grow staff into leadership, 45-hour courses are a reliable step on that path.

Summary — quick checklist for directors:

1. 🔎 Confirm the right 45-hour course for the role.
2. 📝 Verify NC approval with your licensing specialist or provider.
3. 📆 Schedule and support staff to finish on time.
4. 📂 Save certificates and upload to DCDEE WORKS when needed.

Useful links: ChildCareEd 45-hour course pages (online courses, 45 Hour Growth & Development, 45-Hour Infant & Toddler), and NC DCDEE WORKS (teacher, administrator). State requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

FAQ (short):

1. Q: Will any 45-hour course count for NC? A: Not always. Confirm approval with DCDEE or your licensing specialist.
2. Q: Do I need CPR with 45 hours? A: Often yes — CPR/First Aid may be required in addition to course hours.
3. Q: Can online 45-hour courses work? A: Yes, if approved. Some parts (like CPR skills) may need in-person checks.
4. Q: Where to keep records? A: In staff files and upload to DCDEE WORKS when you apply for qualifications.