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. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019