In the information provided on this page is a basic outline of North Dakota Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of North Dakota. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
NORTH DAKOTA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
North Dakota Department of Human Services Early Childhood Services
600 East Boulevard, State Capitol Building, Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
https://www.legis.nd.gov/information/acdata/pdf/75-03-10.pdf
(701) 328-2310
License renewal is required every year or every 2 years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
<18 Mos. |
18-36 Mos. |
3 Years |
4 Years |
5 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:5 |
1:7 |
1:10 |
1:12 |
1:20 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
30 |
40 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
10 |
14 |
20 |
24 |
40 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
350 sf. |
490 sf. |
700 sf. |
840 sf. |
1400 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- Outdoor areas must be inspected daily for any hazards and necessary maintenance.
- The operator makes sure that the outdoor equipment is safe, strong, nontoxic, and in good condition.
- Fencing will be sturdy, safe, and reinforced at intervals giving support. Fenced areas will have at least two exits
- If the outdoor space is next to a busy street, fencing and a natural safety barrier will be placed for the children’s safety
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
14 |
Staff members have to be at least 14 years old, provided that they have parental consent. |
6 |
A Separate restrooms with partitions are provided for boys and girls years of age and older. |
65 |
In every area where the children’s activities will be held, lights will be placed with a minimum of 65 foot candles. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
If a volunteer is providing child care, they have to meet the qualifications of a staff member. |
 |
The operator will ensure that infants sleep in a crib with the manufacturer’s pad. |
 |
A license for a child care center is required if early childhood services provide more then 30 children. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019
North Dakota Childcare Licensing Process
Welcome to the “Guide on Securing a Childcare Provider License in North Dakota” – your one-stop resource for understanding the process and requirements for becoming a licensed childcare provider in the Peace Garden State. We’ll walk you through every step, from understanding the prerequisites to navigating the application process, making this journey less daunting for you. Our aim is to help you turn your passion for child development and care into a fulfilling and lawful profession in North Dakota.
Have you considered the idea of starting a childcare center in North Dakota, but worried about the process of licensing? Congratulations on taking the first step towards your dream. This guide will assist you in navigating the licensing process, focusing on the rules and requirements specific to North Dakota.
So, let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
Understanding Child Care Licensing
Firstly, it’s important to understand just why you need a childcare provider license. In your role as a childcare provider, you will be tasked with the responsibility of taking care of one of the most vulnerable sections of the population – children. This responsibility requires credibility and trust. Licensing ensures you meet certain standards of child care and it legalizes your business, offering peace of mind for the parents or guardians who entrust their children to you.
Importance of Licensing
Gaining a license not only gives you legal permission to operate but also boosts your credibility among parents. It denotes that your establishment adheres to state-defined standards concerning safety, health, and educational provisions for children. Hence, ensuring you meet all guidelines is crucial for running a successful childcare center.
North Dakota Requirements for Childcare Licensing
In North Dakota, the licensing process is managed by the North Dakota Department of Human Services. There are certain requirements you must meet before you can receive the child care license.
Minimum Operational Requirements
Before you can apply for a license, you have to make sure your facility meets the required operational standards. It should have suitable space for children to play and rest, safe storage for medicines, adequate heating, and cooling, and no safety hazards.
Staff Requirements
Staff members are essential in providing quality childcare services. In North Dakota, a ratio of childcare workers to children is mandated, varying by the age of the children. The staff must also complete required training in first aid, CPR, child abuse prevention, and more.
Applying for a Childcare License in North Dakota
Once you understand the prerequisites, let’s look at how you can apply for the license.
Filling Out the Application
The first step, naturally, is to fill out the application form for the license. This is available online on the website of the North Dakota Department of Human Services. Fill out the required information accurately.
Comprehensive Background Check
A vital step before you move forward is a comprehensive background check for yourself and any staff members you will employ. This is to guarantee the safety of the children, by ensuring those involved in their care do not have a history of violence or any criminal record.
Inspection
An unannounced inspection visit will be conducted to ensure your facility is safe and meets all the required standards. Make sure you are prepared for this visit at any time.
Training and Certifications
Lastly, you and your staff will have to complete some mandatory training and earn certificates for the same. Topics range from CPR training to child nutrition and child development.
Once you have met all these requirements and received approval from the relevant authorities, congratulations, you are now a licensed childcare provider in North Dakota!
Maintaining Your Childcare License
Securing your license is a big achievement, but the journey doesn’t end there. There are a few things you need to do to keep it valid.
Renewal
In North Dakota, your childcare license will need to be renewed every year. Keep track of the expiration date and apply for renewal at least 30 days before it expires.
Keeping up with Training
You and your staff will need to attend ongoing training throughout the year to stay updated on the latest best practices in childcare.
Adhering to the Standards
Always make sure that your child care center continues to meet the required operational and safety standards to ensure the welfare of the children in your care.
The process of securing a childcare provider license can seem daunting initially, but as you navigate through each step with this guide in hand, you will find it is a manageable task. So, don’t wait. Start your journey today towards becoming a licensed childcare provider in North Dakota!
-This article was written by Rebecca Calbert.
With over 35 years of experience, Rebecca leads the way at Calbert Design Group. She is dedicated to guiding her clients through the complexities commercial real estate development.
Discover more of her valuable insights and resources at SaveOnBuilding.com , where Rebecca’s “purpose” is to educate small business owners and protect them them from what they don’t know.