Raleigh City Council is weighing a proposal that could nearly double the enrollment limit for in‑home childcare providers. Under the current ordinance, a home daycare may care for up to eight children. The new measure would raise that cap to 15, aligning the city’s limit with the maximum allowed under North Carolina state law.
Potential impact on families
Wake County Smart Start, a nonprofit that supports early‑childhood education, estimates the change could create roughly 112 additional childcare spots in Raleigh. With families across North Carolina reporting difficulty finding affordable, reliable care, the additional capacity could ease pressure on parents seeking safe, local options.
Support from providers
Stephanie Shell, a nine‑year veteran of the childcare field who works with Little Captains Academy, voiced strong support for the expansion. Shell said the ability to increase enrollment would allow providers to respond to growing demand while still using professional judgment to maintain safety and quality. “Allow us to use our professional judgement and guidance to know how and when to manage our capacity,” she said.
Additional regulatory safeguards
Even with a higher enrollment ceiling, providers would remain subject to state licensing requirements, including staffing ratios and safety standards set by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The department has confirmed that all family childcare homes must continue to meet these state mandates regardless of local ordinance changes.
Other reforms under consideration
The council is also reviewing two related proposals. The first would let home daycare operators hire employees who do not live in the home, a change that could help meet staffing needs if enrollment limits are raised. Currently, the ordinance restricts employment to residents or family members residing on the premises.
The second proposal targets the special‑use permit process for commercial childcare centers. At present, obtaining a permit can take up to three months. Council members hope to shorten the timeline and reduce associated costs, making it easier for new operators to enter the market.
State context
North Carolina lost a net 113 childcare programs in 2025, according to a June 2026 report from NC Child. The state currently has 1,878 regulated family childcare homes, according to NCDHHS data. Raleigh’s ordinance changes aim to bolster local supply while preserving the safety net of state oversight.
Next steps
The council is scheduled to hear public comment on the proposals at its Wednesday evening meeting. If the measures receive a favorable vote, the ordinance would take effect 30 days later.
Raleigh’s effort could serve as a model for neighboring Wake County communities such as Cary and Apex, which would need to evaluate their own regulations before adopting similar changes.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
