What Is DCDEE and How Does It Work? - post

Working in child care in North Carolina means you will hear the name DCDEE a lot. DCDEE stands for the Division of Child Development and Early Education. This article explains what DCDEE does, how the DCDEE WORKS portal is used for staff qualifications, and practical steps directors and #providers can follow. 

For a plain guide to the WORKS portal see North Carolina DCDEE WORKS: What Child Care Providers Need to Know - ChildCareEd.

What exactly is DCDEE and the WORKS portal?

1) DCDEE is the state agency that makes and enforces rules for child care in North Carolina. The rules and definitions live in the official child care chapter; see 10A NCAC Chapter 09 for details.

2) The DCDEE WORKS portal is the online system where staff education and training records are tracked. It helps the state collect documents needed for positions like lead teacher, program coordinator, and administrator. For a step-by-step guide written for providers, read the ChildCareEd WORKS guide and the official WORKS dashboard at DCDEE WORKS Dashboard.

3) The portal accepts many documents but some items must be mailed (for example, official #transcripts). The state tells you where to mail those on the application page: Apply for Early Childhood Workforce Position(s).

How does DCDEE use WORKS to check staff qualifications?

1) The WORKS portal collects education, credentials, and facility associations. The Division reviews uploaded files and official transcripts to decide if a person meets a position's education rules. See the pages for role-specific rules like Lead Teacher Requirements and Early Childhood Administrator Requirements.

2) Step-by-step process used by DCDEE:

• Applicant applies for one or more positions in WORKS and uploads allowed documents.
• Applicant mails official transcripts to the Workforce Education Unit when required (do not upload official transcripts unless told to do so).
• DCDEE reviews transcripts, certificates, and portfolio items and issues a qualification or requests more info.

3) The system also stores continuing education and credential certificates so you can show inspectors and funders your staff meet rules. For provider tips on documents and avoiding mistakes, see North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials: Provider Guide.

How do I apply, submit documents, and track status?

1) Prepare files before you start. Common items the portal or DCDEE will want:

• 📁 Official college transcripts (mailed to the Workforce Education Unit — see Apply for Early Childhood Workforce Position(s)).
• 🧾 Scanned credential certificates (CDA, NCECC, BSAC) — upload to WORKS.
• 🩺 CPR/First Aid cards, ITS‑SIDS or safe sleep proof, and any required preservice training certificates.

2) Use this checklist when applying:

• 🔎 Confirm the position rules — lead teacher and admin rules differ. See Lead Teacher Requirements and Administrator Requirements.
• ✅ Upload allowed documents into WORKS and keep digital copies for your files.
• 📬 Mail official transcripts as directed — DO NOT upload official transcripts unless the Division tells you to.
• ⏳ Check the WORKS dashboard and your email for status updates. See the provider-friendly walkthrough at ChildCareEd WORKS guide.

3) A practical tip: make one staff folder per person with a checklist of items to upload and dates you mailed transcripts. Use a shared calendar to track renewals and rechecks.

What common mistakes should I avoid and how can I stay ready?

1) Common mistakes:

• 🔸 Sending unofficial transcripts instead of official ones — fix: mail official transcripts to the address on the DCDEE apply page and keep a copy of your request. See Apply for Early Childhood Workforce Position(s).
• 🔸 Uploading the wrong files — fix: upload certificates and non-official docs; keep originals in a safe place.
• 🔸 Letting CPR or background checks lapse — fix: set calendar reminders and plan training in advance. ChildCareEd lists training options and scheduling tips at 45-Hour Training guide.

2) Keeping staff qualified — quick plan:

• 📅 Track expirations for CPR, background rechecks, and credential renewals.
• 📂 Keep scanned copies in WORKS and a paper binder for inspections.
• 🔁 Plan staff training so people can move from assistant to lead or admin roles using EDU courses and credentials. See how EDU 111/112 or EDU 119 lead to the NCECC in the state pages and the ChildCareEd credential guide at Provider Guide.

3) Remember: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency. For hands-on tools, free training, or to start small, see ChildCareEd resources like free online trainings and CDA guides at Free Online Training in NC.

Conclusion

1) DCDEE sets the rules and uses the WORKS portal to collect and evaluate staff education. 2) Directors should prepare documents, mail official #transcripts when asked, upload certificates to #WORKS, and use a simple tracking system for renewals. 3) Helpful reads include the ChildCareEd WORKS guide and the DCDEE role pages: ChildCareEd WORKS guide, Lead Teacher Requirements, and 10A NCAC Chapter 09. You are doing important work — use these steps to keep children safe and your program ready.