Working in childcare in #North-Dakota can be incredibly rewarding, but the state has very specific rules to ensure the #safety, #health, and #development of children. Whether you plan to work in a family childcare #home or a childcare center, you must meet certain training, paperwork, and background check requirements before you can begin.
This article breaks everything down in simple, easy-to-follow steps so you always know what to expect. If you’re planning to become a childcare provider, this guide will help you get started with clarity and confidence.
In North Dakota, anyone who provides childcare in exchange for payment must meet state requirements. This includes:
Family childcare providers working out of their #homes
Staff working in licensed childcare centers
Assistants and substitute caregivers
Directors, supervisors, and administrators
Preschool and school-age program #staff
Anyone who regularly cares for children in a childcare setting must follow North Dakota’s training and safety rules, regardless of the type of program or age group served.
Before you begin working in childcare, there are several important documents you must gather. These documents help the state verify that you meet safety, health, and competency standards.
CPR Certification (Pediatric-focused)
First Aid Certification
Health and safety documentation
Immunization records, if required by your employer
Emergency #preparedness documentation
Proof of identity and eligibility to work
Employment forms specific to the childcare program
Some childcare settings may also require:
A #personal health statement
TB testing
Additional certifications depending on the age group
Your employer or licensing specialist will confirm exactly which forms apply to your role.
All individuals working in childcare in North Dakota must complete a criminal background check before beginning work.
This typically includes:
Fingerprinting
A review of criminal history
Periodic rechecks
No one may begin working with children until all #background-checks have cleared. This requirement helps ensure that childcare environments are safe and secure for every child.
Working in childcare means staying up to date on best practices in safety, child development, guidance, nutrition, #emergency-response, and more. North Dakota requires several types of training depending on whether you are new to childcare or already employed.
Below is a clear and easy breakdown.
Preservice training is required before you can begin working independently with children. North Dakota mandates that certain trainings must be taken through the state — not through private training providers.
These include:
State-specific preservice training
Safe Sleep / SIDS training
Mandated Reporter training
These must be completed using North Dakota–approved state platforms only.
ChildCareEd provides approved training that satisfies North Dakota’s annual requirements. However, North Dakota requires that preservice training, Safe Sleep/SIDS training and Mandated Reporter training be completed through the State of North Dakota only. ChildCareEd does not provide these state-specific preservice courses. All other annual, ongoing, and professional development training hours may be completed through ChildCareEd.
After your preservice requirements are complete, North Dakota requires ongoing professional development hours each year. The number of hours required varies depending on your position and how many hours you work.
Annual training topics may include:
Child development
Behavior and guidance
Health and safety
Emergency preparedness
Learning environment and curriculum
Inclusion and #cultural diversity
All ongoing annual training can be completed through ChildCareEd, including courses that meet the state’s approved training standards.
Individuals who operate a childcare program — or work in one — may participate in licensing visits. These may include:
Scheduled (announced) inspections
Unannounced inspections
Review of staff training records
Safety walkthroughs
Health and sanitation reviews
If you operate a family childcare home or center, you will work closely with a licensing specialist to ensure your program meets state standards.
Here is the general process most new workers follow:
Complete the state-required preservice, Safe Sleep, and Mandated Reporter trainings.
Prepare your CPR/First Aid certificates, identification forms, and any health/safety forms required by your employer.
Submit your fingerprints and clear the criminal history and child protection checks.
Some roles allow you to begin working under supervision while finishing certain requirements. Always check with your employer.
Once you are actively working, you can meet your annual training requirements through ChildCareEd’s approved courses.
Below are helpful links for training, articles, and support through ChildCareEd:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses_in-ND-north_dakota.html
https://www.childcareed.com/a/united-states-of-america-north-dakota.html
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00316-nonresponsive-provider-procedures-all-ages-admin.html
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