🧭 What type of license should you choose in North Dakota?
North Dakota has several child care license types. For most people starting at home, the best match is a Family Child Care License (home-based care).
Family child care capacity (how many children)
A common North Dakota guide explains that licensed family child care providers can care for up to 7 children, plus 2 additional school-age children, and the provider’s own children under age 12 count in the total.
It also shares “keep in mind” details about younger children (under 24 months) and how many you may care for at a time.
Tip: If you are brand new, start with a smaller number of children. It helps you learn routines without feeling overwhelmed. #NorthDakotaChildCare
📝 What are the first steps to start your license application?
North Dakota uses an online portal called the Child Care Licensing (CCL) System for licensing work and documents.
Before you apply, do these early steps:
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Decide your schedule (hours and days you will be open)
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Choose ages you will serve (infants, toddlers, preschool, school-age)
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Prepare your home space (safe play area, safe sleep space, clean bathroom access)
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Set up your online access
North Dakota notes you need a North Dakota Login to use the licensing system.
The portal is also where providers submit important documents (more on that below).
🎓 What trainings do you need before and after you open?
Training is a big part of opening a home daycare. North Dakota lists preservice and ongoing training requirements for licensed providers and staff.
Here are key items North Dakota highlights:
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New Provider Orientation: New owners/operators must complete it before license or self-declared approval.
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“Getting Started” basic child care course (15 hours): Required within the first three months of becoming licensed or employed. North Dakota describes it as free, and it may be retaken every three years for credit toward annual training.
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Mandated Reporter training: Required every year for all providers and staff, and North Dakota notes it is free and counts toward annual training.
Also, the CCL portal list shows providers submit Pediatric CPR/AED & Pediatric First Aid cards and other records online.
This training helps you build trust with families and protect children. #EarlyChildhoodEducation
🧾 What documents and checks should you expect?
When you open a home daycare, the state will want paperwork that proves you are ready to operate safely.
Background checks
North Dakota has fingerprint-based criminal background checks for licensed or regulated child care providers, and the state explains that three forms are required.
It also reminds providers to register the business in the ND Business Gateway to be ready for system updates.
Documents commonly submitted in the licensing portal
North Dakota’s licensing system page lists examples of documents you may submit, including:
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Pediatric CPR/AED & Pediatric First Aid cards
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Training records
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Evacuation/disaster plan form (SFN 517)
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Proof of insurance
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Fire inspection
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Food establishment license (when needed)
Tip: Create one folder (paper or digital) called “Licensing.” Save every certificate, form, and message there.
🛡️ How do you prepare your home for safety and inspection?
A home daycare must be safe for children every day—not only on inspection day.
Use this simple safety checklist:
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Lock up medicines, cleaning products, and sharp items
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Cover outlets and block cords when needed
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Store small choking hazards out of reach
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Make sure smoke alarms and emergency exits are clear
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Set up safe sleep spaces (no loose blankets for infants)
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Keep a first aid kit easy to reach (but out of children’s reach)
A helpful step-by-step guide you can keep open while planning is this ChildCareEd resource:
How To Start a Home Daycare.
💵 How do you set up the business side (rates, policies, and taxes)?
A home daycare is both caring and business. Simple planning now can prevent problems later.
Choose policies you will put in writing
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Operating hours
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Vacation and holiday schedule
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Sick child rules (fever, vomiting, contagious illness)
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Payment schedule (weekly, bi-weekly)
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Late pick-up fee
Set simple rates
Many providers use:
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One weekly rate per age group (infant / toddler / preschool)
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A registration fee (optional)
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Clear late fees (only if needed)
Track your money
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Open a separate bank account for daycare income/expenses
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Save receipts (toys, learning materials, cleaning items, food)
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Use a notebook or spreadsheet for weekly totals
If you want help building a plan that feels doable, this ChildCareEd course is a great match:
Business Planning: Family Child Care (online).
🧩 How do you plan a daily schedule and learning activities at home?
Families want to know: “What will my child do all day?” A simple routine helps children feel calm and helps you stay organized.
A basic daily rhythm might include:
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Arrival + free play
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Breakfast/snack
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Story time
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Outdoor play (weather-safe)
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Lunch
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Rest/quiet time
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Art, music, blocks, sensory play
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Afternoon snack + pick-up
Because home daycares often have mixed ages, it helps to learn what is appropriate for each age group. This course supports that:
DAP for Family Child Care (online).
And for strong everyday safety habits (supervision, safe routines, and health practices), consider:
Health and Safety Orientation (online).
📣 How do you find families for your home daycare in North Dakota?
You do not need fancy marketing. You need trust and clear information.
Try these simple steps:
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Tell friends, neighbors, and local parent groups you are opening
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Post a short flyer at libraries, community centers, and churches
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Share your policies and hours clearly
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Offer a short tour (keep it calm and professional)
Be ready to explain your “why,” like:
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Small group care
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Safe routines
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Learning through play
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Warm relationships
For more North Dakota-specific job and training info, use this ChildCareEd article:
What Do You Need to Work in Childcare in North Dakota?.
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