Federal financial aid and other student assistance is available. The college's Small Business Center loans books, videos, audio tapes, and CD-ROM disks. A list of publications is available. Noncredit continuing education courses are also offered through COA at various Outer Banks locations. The state also requires that all teachers meet certain criteria for health and continued education.
Regulators inspect facilities and teacher records on an annual basis.
Recently, some centers have stretched their hours to accommodate parents who work nights in one of the slew of restaurants across the barrier islands. Others have put out the welcome mat for tourists who need child-free time during their vacations. A running list of registered and licensed providers is available from the Dare County Department of Social Services. Dare County schools offer the After School Enrichment Program to serve working parents of K-5 students. Children are cared for in the same building where they attend school, but their after-hours time is spent in free play inside or out on the playground.