How to Start a Daycare in North Dakota (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Opening a daycare in North Dakota requires a license from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Early Childhood Licensing unit. Licensing is required for any program caring for more than 5 children at a time (or more than 3 children under 24 months). The application fee is $40. All staff and household members of home-based programs must pass comprehensive background checks before having unsupervised access to children. North Dakota’s WSI monopolistic workers’ comp requirement applies to all childcare employees. Allow approximately 60 days from a complete application to receiving your license.

Daycare Requirements in North Dakota at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)	ND Secretary of State (FirstStop)	$135	1-3 business days
Child Care License (application fee)	ND HHS Early Childhood Licensing	$40	~60 days from complete application
Staff background checks (criminal + abuse registry)	ND BCI / IdentoGO	Varies by provider	Required before unsupervised access
Pediatric First Aid + CPR/AED certification	Red Cross, AHA, or equivalent	$50-$150/person	Required at opening
Basic childcare training course	Department-approved provider	Varies	Within 90 days of opening
Annual training (continuing)	Department-approved provider	Varies	9 hours/year ongoing
Sales and Use Tax Permit	ND State Tax Commissioner	Free	Before opening
WSI workers’ comp (if employees)	Workforce Safety & Insurance	Premium based on payroll	Before day 1 of employment
Liability insurance (facility programs)	Private insurer	Varies	Required for facility-based programs

How to Start a Daycare in North Dakota (Step by Step)

Step 1: Determine if Licensing Applies to Your Program

North Dakota childcare licensing is required when:

• Your program cares for more than 5 children total at any one time, OR
• Your program cares for more than 3 children under 24 months

Programs caring for 5 or fewer children (with no more than 3 under 24 months) may operate as self-declared providers without a full license, though they may still be eligible for state subsidy programs. Self-declared providers must register with the state and meet basic health and safety standards.

Step 2: Register Your Business Entity

File Articles of Organization for an LLC with the North Dakota Secretary of State via FirstStop for $135. Pay the $50 annual report each November 15. An LLC separates your personal assets from business liabilities – important for a business working with children. Also apply for a free EIN from the IRS before opening state tax accounts.

Step 3: Contact HHS Early Childhood Licensing

Reach out to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood Licensing unit early in your planning process:

• Phone: (701) 328-2115 or (800) 997-8516
• Official page: hhs.nd.gov – Child Care Licensing
• Request an application packet and ask about pre-licensing orientation sessions. HHS offers technical assistance to help new providers understand requirements.

License types available:

• Family Child Care Home: Home-based, up to 7 children (max 3 under 24 months) plus 2 school-age children
• Group Child Care (Home): Home-based, up to 30 children
• Group Child Care (Facility): Non-residential facility, up to 30 children
• Child Care Center: Facility-based, 19 or more children
• Preschool Program: Part-time only (max 3 hours/day), ages 2-5

Step 4: Complete Background Checks for All Staff

All of the following must pass background checks before having unsupervised access to children:

• All paid employees
• All volunteers with unsupervised child contact
• All household members age 14 and over (for Family Child Care Home programs)

Background checks include: FBI fingerprint criminal history, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check, national sex offender registry, child abuse and neglect registry, and out-of-state checks for individuals with significant out-of-state residency history. Contact HHS for instructions on scheduling fingerprint appointments through the state system.

Step 5: Meet Training Requirements

North Dakota childcare providers must meet ongoing training requirements:

• Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED: All providers must be certified before opening. Certification must cover infants and children. Accepted courses include Red Cross, American Heart Association, and equivalent programs.
• Basic childcare course: A department-approved introductory childcare course must be completed within 90 days of opening.
• SIDS prevention training: 1 hour annually.
• Ongoing annual training: A minimum of 9 hours per year of childcare-related professional development.

Step 6: Prepare Your Facility and Pass Inspection

Your facility must meet North Dakota childcare regulations before you receive your license. Key requirements include:

• Minimum indoor space per child (varies by age group)
• Safe, age-appropriate outdoor play area
• Proper handwashing and diapering facilities
• Safe storage of medications, cleaning chemicals, and hazardous materials
• Adequate lighting, ventilation, and heating
• Fire safety compliance (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, evacuation plan)

HHS will conduct at least one pre-licensing inspection. All violations must be corrected before the license is issued.

Step 7: Submit Application and Pay Fee

Submit your complete application to HHS Early Childhood Licensing with the $40 application fee. A complete application includes your application form, background check documentation, training certificates, facility inspection approval, and any required insurance documentation. Allow approximately 60 days for processing from the date of a complete submission.

Facility-based programs are required to carry liability insurance. Provide proof of coverage with your application.

Step 8: Register with WSI Before Hiring Staff

Before any employee’s first day of work, register with Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) at workforcesafety.com/employers. North Dakota prohibits private workers’ comp insurance. WSI is the exclusive provider. Register with Job Service North Dakota for unemployment insurance within 20 days of your first hire. Report new hires at nd.gov/newhire within 20 days.

Cost to Start a Daycare in North Dakota

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC formation	$135	One-time via FirstStop
Annual LLC report	$50/year	Due November 15
Child Care License application fee	$40	Paid to HHS Early Childhood Licensing
Background checks (per person)	Varies	Fingerprint fees charged by state system; contact HHS for current amounts
Pediatric First Aid + CPR/AED (per person)	$50-$150	Required for all providers
Basic childcare training course	$50-$200	Department-approved course; within 90 days
Facility liability insurance	$1,000-$3,000+/year	Required for facility-based programs
WSI workers’ comp (per employee)	Payroll-based premium	Rate set by WSI based on payroll and class code
Furniture, equipment, and supplies	$5,000-$30,000+	Major variable; age-appropriate furniture, toys, mats, safety equipment

Estimated startup cost (compliance and licensing side): $1,500 to $5,000+ (excluding facility build-out and equipment)

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is a childcare license required in North Dakota?

A childcare license is required in North Dakota when your program cares for more than 5 children at any one time, or more than 3 children under 24 months. Programs at or below these thresholds may operate as self-declared providers without a full license, though they must still register with the state and meet basic standards. Contact HHS Early Childhood Licensing at (701) 328-2115 to determine which license type applies to your planned program.

How much does a daycare license cost in North Dakota?

The application fee for a North Dakota childcare license is $40, paid to the HHS Early Childhood Licensing unit. Beyond the application fee, you will incur costs for background checks (fingerprinting fees), training (First Aid/CPR, basic childcare course), and liability insurance. Total compliance startup costs typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 before facility and equipment costs.

How long does it take to get a daycare license in North Dakota?

Allow approximately 60 days from the date of submitting a complete application to receiving your license. This timeline assumes all background checks are clear, all inspections are passed, and all required documentation is submitted without gaps. Starting the HHS contact and background check process early – ideally 3-4 months before your planned opening date – is strongly recommended.

What background checks are required for daycare staff in North Dakota?

All staff, volunteers with unsupervised access, and household members age 14 and over (for home-based programs) must pass comprehensive background checks. These include: FBI fingerprint criminal history, North Dakota BCI state criminal history, national sex offender registry check, state child abuse and neglect registry check, and out-of-state history checks for those with significant out-of-state residency. No one may have unsupervised access to children until their background check is cleared.

What are the staff-to-child ratio requirements for North Dakota daycares?

North Dakota’s required staff-to-child ratios for licensed childcare programs are: under 18 months (1:4), 18-36 months (1:5), 3-4 years (1:7), 4-5 years (1:10), 5-6 years (1:12), and 6-12 years (1:20). These ratios must be maintained at all times during care hours. Contact HHS Early Childhood Licensing at hhs.nd.gov for the most current regulations.