South Dakota Child Care Licensing Requirements

The information provided on this page is a basic outline of South Dakota Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of South 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.

SOUTH DAKOTA Child Care Licensing Requirements

Child Care license obtained from:

South Dakota Department of Social Services Division of Child Care Services

700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501

https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=67:42:10&Type=All

(605) 773-4766

License renewal: No renewal required (non-expiring).

Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child

	Infants	Toddlers < 3 Years	3-6 Years	6+ Years
Required Teacher: Child Ratio	1:5	1:5	1:10	1:15
Required Max. Group Size	None	None	None	None
Recommended Classroom Capacity	10	10	20	30
Recommended Staff per Classroom	2	2	2	2
Recommended Min. Classroom Area	350 sf.	350 sf.	700 sf.	1050 sf.

Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per child

Areas under play equipment should have at least 12 inches of wood chips, pea rocks, etc.
Staff must be located around the playground to interact and supervise children and at least one staff should be stationed at all climbing equipment.
The protective surface should extend 6 feet in all directions around the play equipment.
There must be an inspection of the play equipment on a regular basis to make sure the equipment is safe.

Building Code Requirements


CHILD FIXTURES	ADULT FIXTURES	DRINKING FOUNTAINS	MOP SINK	BATH TUB/ SHOWER

1: 15	1:50	1:100	1	1
2015 International Building Code

Fire Code Requirements

4	Fire drills are required at least four times a year.	10	If the occupancy load is 10 or more, it must have at least 2 exits.	2	The 2 exits that lead directly outside, has to also swing outward or the direction of exist of travel.
2015 International Fire Code

Did you know . . .

	A child care may be located in the provider’s own home or in a separate facility.		No more than half of the space can be occupied by cribs.		Each child care must have written discipline techniques used for a child.

To access South Dakota Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019