North Dakota ChildcareLicensing Requirements
Stay compliant with North Dakota DHHS Early Childhood Services (NDAC Chapter 75-03-10) regulations. Bloomily helps North Dakota childcare centers manage staff ratios, certifications, and emergency drills — all in one platform.
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Required ratios for North Dakota licensed childcare facilities
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
Infants (0-12 months) Infants birth to 12 months | 1:4 | 8 children |
Young Toddlers (12-24 months) Toddlers 12-24 months | 1:4 | 8 children |
Older Toddlers (24-36 months) Older toddlers 24-36 months | 1:5 | 10 children |
Preschool (3-5 years) Preschool 3-4 years | 1:7 | 21 children |
prek Pre-K 4-5 years | 1:10 | 20 children |
School Age (5+ years) School-age 5+ years | 1:15 | 30 children |
Bloomily automatically monitors staff-to-child ratios in real-time and alerts you when you're approaching limits.
Required Certifications
Certifications required for North Dakota childcare staff
Annual Training (North Dakota)
North Dakota requires minimum 18 clock hours annual professional development
Child Abuse/Neglect Registry Check (North Dakota)
North Dakota DHHS child abuse and neglect registry check required
Criminal Background Check (North Dakota)
North Dakota BCI and FBI fingerprint background check required
Director Qualifications (North Dakota)
Director qualifications per NDAC including education and experience requirements
First Aid (North Dakota)
Pediatric first aid certification required
Food Handler Certification (North Dakota)
Food safety training for staff preparing food
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
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
Safe Sleep Training (North Dakota)
Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers
SIDS Prevention Training (North Dakota)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome prevention training for infant caregivers
Bloomily tracks certification expiration dates and sends automated renewal reminders before they lapse.
Emergency Drill Requirements
Required safety drills for North Dakota childcare facilities
Required Drills
Fire Drill
Monthly fire drills required, documented with date, time, number of children, and evacuation time
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Lockdown/Security
Lockdown/shelter-in-place drills twice per year
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Evacuation
Full evacuation to alternate location annually
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Tornado/Severe Weather
Tornado drills monthly during tornado season (April-September)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Bloomily automatically schedules drills and tracks completion to ensure you never miss a requirement.
Pre-Inspection Checklist
50 items based on North Dakota DHHS Early Childhood Services (NDAC Chapter 75-03-10) requirements
Current DHHS license posted in visible location
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
License capacity not exceeded
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
Operating within licensed hours
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
Parent handbook current and available
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
Written policies and procedures current
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
Fee schedule posted or provided to parents
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
Liability insurance current and adequate
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-03
Required postings visible (license, emergency plans, menus)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
DHHS contact information posted
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
Reporting requirements met (incidents, changes)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-03
All staff have current background clearances (BCI and FBI)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-04
Child Abuse/Neglect Registry checks completed
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-04
Director meets education/experience requirements
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
Lead caregivers meet qualification requirements
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
All staff have current CPR certification
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
All staff have current First Aid certification
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
Mandatory reporter training completed (all staff)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
Annual training requirements met (18 hours)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
Orientation training completed within 90 days
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
Safe sleep and SIDS training for infant caregivers
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
Staff health assessments current
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
Staff files complete with required documentation
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-05
Enrollment forms complete for all children
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-08
Emergency contact information current
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-08
Immunization records current (NDIIS verified)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-08
Health assessments on file
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-08
Authorized pickup persons documented
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-08
Allergy and special health needs documented
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-08
Medication authorization forms complete
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-09
Individual health care plans current (if applicable)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-08
Daily attendance records maintained
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-08
Parent rights acknowledgment signed
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-02
First aid kit fully stocked and accessible
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-09
Medications stored properly (locked, labeled)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-09
Cleaning and hazardous materials stored safely
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-11
Handwashing procedures followed and documented
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-09
Diapering and toileting procedures posted
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-09
Safe sleep practices followed (infants on back)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-07
Food handling and safety requirements met
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-13
Illness exclusion policy current
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-09
Water temperature safe (120°F max)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-11
Tobacco, alcohol, and weapons prohibited
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-11
Fire drill records current (monthly)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Tornado drill records current (monthly April-Sept)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Lockdown drill records current (semi-annual)
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Emergency evacuation plan posted and current
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Fire extinguishers inspected and accessible
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-11
Emergency contact lists readily available
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-12
Staff-to-child ratios maintained at all times
Ref: NDAC 75-03-10-06
Bright & Early ND rating posted (if participating)
Ref: Bright & Early ND
Track your North Dakota compliance digitally
Bloomily keeps your checklist updated, tracks staff certifications, and alerts you before items expire.
Nearby State Requirements
Requirements vary by state. Click to view specific licensing requirements.
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