South Dakota childcare licensing requirements.
Ratios, group sizes, certifications, and drills for South Dakota — per DSS Child Care Licensing (ARSD Chapter 67:42). Bloomily tracks every one of them live, so the paperwork is ready before anyone asks.
Staff-to-child ratios in South Dakota
| Age group | Ratio | Max group size |
|---|---|---|
| infant_toddler | 1:5 | — |
| Preschool (3-5 years) | 1:10 | — |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 | — |
Per DSS Child Care Licensing (ARSD Chapter 67:42). Ratios in Bloomily are computed live from real check-ins against these limits.
Required certifications
South Dakota requires minimum 20 clock hours annual professional development
Renews every 12 months
South Dakota DSS child abuse and neglect registry check required
Renews every 60 months
South Dakota DCI and FBI fingerprint background check required
Renews every 60 months
Director qualifications per ARSD including education and experience requirements
Pediatric first aid certification required
Renews every 24 months
Food safety training for staff preparing food
Renews every 36 months
Lead caregiver qualifications per ARSD regulations
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
South Dakota mandatory reporter training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect
Renews every 24 months
Initial orientation training within first 90 days of employment
Infant and child CPR certification required for all caregivers
Renews every 24 months
Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers
Renews every 60 months
Drill requirements
| Drill | Frequency | Required |
|---|---|---|
| lockdown | semi_annually | Yes |
| shelter_in_place | semi_annually | Yes |
| evacuation | semi_annually | Yes |
South Dakota DSS Pre-Inspection Checklist
- Current DSS 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)
- DSS contact information posted
- Reporting requirements met (incidents, changes)
- All staff have current background clearances (DCI and FBI)
- Child Abuse/Neglect Registry checks completed
Run a South 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.