If you work in childcare in North Dakota, staying up to date with annual training is not just a recommendation — it’s a state requirement. Ongoing professional #development ensures that childcare #staff remain knowledgeable about #safety, child development, #health, and best practices for providing high-quality care.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about annual training hours, what counts toward them, and how to complete your requirements efficiently.
Annual training in childcare is designed to:
Keep staff current on child safety practices
Teach strategies for supporting #healthy child development
Help providers comply with state regulations
Promote a high-quality learning environment
Reduce risks and liability in the childcare setting
North Dakota has clear rules about how many hours of training each staff member must complete each year, depending on their role and the number of hours they work.
The number of required training hours for childcare staff varies based on:
Job role – family child care provider, center staff, director, or assistant
Number of hours worked per week
Here’s a breakdown of annual training hours in North Dakota:
Family Child Care Providers / In-Home Providers:
Must complete 9 hours of approved training per year
Center Staff / Preschool / School-Age Staff:
30– #40-hours/week: 13 hours annually
20–30 hours/week: 11 hours annually
10–20 hours/week: 9 hours annually
Less than 10 hours/week: 7 hours annually
These training hours must cover topics approved by the state, such as:
Child development and guidance
Health, safety, and nutrition
Inclusion and #cultural competency
Emergency #preparedness
Curriculum and learning environments
Not all courses count toward your annual requirement. Approved trainings include:
Professional development courses
Workshops and seminars related to childcare
Online or in-person trainings approved by the North Dakota Early Childhood Workforce Registry
Some trainings cannot be completed through private providers like ChildCareEd:
Preservice training
Safe Sleep / SIDS training
Mandated Reporter training
These three must be completed through the State of North Dakota.
ChildCareEd provides approved training that satisfies North Dakota’s annual requirements. All other ongoing and professional development training hours may be completed through ChildCareEd.
Keeping an accurate record of your completed training hours is essential. Most providers are required to:
Log each course taken
Keep certificates of completion
Submit hours to the North Dakota Early Childhood Workforce Registry when requested
Using a consistent tracking system helps you avoid missing deadlines and ensures that your license or employment remains in good standing.
While North Dakota doesn’t mandate exact topics beyond preservice requirements, the following areas are highly recommended to maximize the value of your training:
Child Health & Safety: First aid, CPR, injury prevention
Child Development: Cognitive, emotional, and social growth
Behavior Guidance: Positive discipline and #classroom management
Learning Environments: Curriculum, activity planning, and materials
Cultural Competence: Inclusion and working with diverse families
Emergency Preparedness: Fire, severe #weather, and evacuation plans
By completing training in these areas, staff ensure a well-rounded skill set that benefits children, families, and the program as a whole.
Staff can complete training in-person, online, or through workshops approved by North Dakota. Many providers find online courses convenient because they allow flexible scheduling and self-paced learning.
ChildCareEd is a popular option for completing your annual and ongoing training hours. They offer courses that are:
Approved for North Dakota childcare staff
Flexible for part-time or full-time workers
Covering multiple professional development areas
Training Courses: ChildCareEd ND Training Courses
Resource Guide: Professional Development Experiences in Infant & Toddler Care
Related Article: North Dakota Training Overview
Plan Ahead: Schedule courses #early in the year to avoid last-minute rushes
Mix Formats: Combine online, in-person, and workshop trainings for variety
Track Certificates: Keep digital and paper copies of completion certificates
Use Approved Providers: Ensure courses are North Dakota-approved to count toward annual hours
By staying organized, you can easily meet the state’s requirements without #stress.
For additional support, updates, and tips on childcare training, connect with ChildCareEd on social media:
π Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childcareed