North Dakota childcare licensing requirements.

Ratios, group sizes, certifications, and drills for North Dakota — per DHHS Early Childhood Services (NDAC Chapter 75-03-10). Bloomily tracks every one of them live, so the paperwork is ready before anyone asks.

Staff-to-child ratios in North Dakota

Age groupRatioMax group size
Infants (0-12 months)1:410
toddler1:515
preschool_31:720
preschool_41:1025
preschool_51:1230
School Age (5+ years)1:2040

Per DHHS Early Childhood Services (NDAC Chapter 75-03-10). Ratios in Bloomily are computed live from real check-ins against these limits.

Required certifications

Annual Training (North Dakota)

North Dakota requires minimum 18 clock hours annual professional development

Renews every 12 months

Child Abuse/Neglect Registry Check (North Dakota)

North Dakota DHHS child abuse and neglect registry check required

Renews every 60 months

Criminal Background Check (North Dakota)

North Dakota BCI and FBI fingerprint background check required

Renews every 60 months

Director Qualifications (North Dakota)

Director qualifications per NDAC including education and experience requirements

First Aid (North Dakota)

Pediatric first aid certification required

Renews every 24 months

Food Handler Certification (North Dakota)

Food safety training for staff preparing food

Renews every 36 months

Lead Caregiver Qualifications (North Dakota)

Lead caregiver qualifications per NDAC regulations

Mandated Reporter Training

California mandated reporter training for child abuse

Mandatory Reporter Training (North Dakota)

North Dakota mandatory reporter training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect

Renews every 24 months

Orientation Training (North Dakota)

Initial orientation training within first 90 days of employment

Pediatric CPR (North Dakota)

Infant and child CPR certification required for all caregivers

Renews every 24 months

Safe Sleep Training (North Dakota)

Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers

Renews every 60 months

SIDS Prevention Training (North Dakota)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome prevention training for infant caregivers

Renews every 60 months

Drill requirements

DrillFrequencyRequired
firemonthlyYes
lockdownmonthlyYes
shelter_in_placemonthlyYes
evacuationmonthlyYes

North Dakota DHHS Pre-Inspection Checklist

  • Current DHHS license posted in visible location
  • License capacity not exceeded
  • Operating within licensed hours
  • Parent handbook current and available
  • Written policies and procedures current
  • Fee schedule posted or provided to parents
  • Liability insurance current and adequate
  • Required postings visible (license, emergency plans, menus)
  • DHHS contact information posted
  • Reporting requirements met (incidents, changes)
  • All staff have current background clearances (BCI and FBI)
  • Child Abuse/Neglect Registry checks completed

Run a North Dakota program? Keep it compliant without the binder.

Ratios computed live from real check-ins, certifications flagged before they lapse, and inspection-ready reports one click away.