Our association was originally formed in 1996 as PACE of North Carolina (Professional Association of Childhood Education) and became North Carolina's affiliate of the National Child Care Association.  Our founding members were actively involved in developing the original rated license. PACE was also instrumental in convincing the Division of Child Development to allow teachers a period of time after they were hired to obtain the NC Early Childhood Credential. 

Linda Hester served as the first President of the association, with Bob Greear, Kevin Campbell and Bill Mitchell serving as president in later years. In addition, Cathy Shular, Belvin Smith and Annette Gentry were all involved and critical to the success of PACE in those early years.

In 2004, the organization hired Linda Piper as its first (part-time) executive director and continued to grow, changing its name that same year to become the NC Licensed Child Care Association (NCLCCA). Now, more than 20 years since the founding of PACE, NCLCCA is managed by an executive director, contracts additional management services from FirstPoint Management Services, and contracts with Ken Melton & Associates for government relations and policy services.

The history of NCLCCA is continuing to be written each and every day.   We hope YOU will be a part of our FUTURE!