North Dakota Childcare Licensing
North Dakota Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
North Dakota sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Under 18 months (infants) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 10). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core North Dakota licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood Services (Early Childhood Licensing unit) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNorth Dakota Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In North Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Under 18 months (infants) age group is 1:4 (max group size 10).
In North Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 18 months to 36 months (toddlers) age group is 1:5 (max group size 15).
In North Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years to 4 years age group is 1:7 (max group size 20).
In North Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years to 5 years age group is 1:10 (max group size 25).
In North Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years to 6 years age group is 1:12 (max group size 30).
In North Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 6 years to 12 years (school-age) age group is 1:20 (max group size 40).
North Dakota sets no separate group-size cap and instead regulates staffing through age-based minimum staff-to-child ratios expressed in decimal form (.25 for children under eighteen months, .20 for eighteen to thirty-six months, .14 for thirty-six months to four years, .10 for four to five years, .08 for five to six years, and .05 for six to twelve years), with licensed capacity caps of seven children for family child care, thirty for group child care, and more than thirty for a child care center (NDAC 75-03-09-09 and NDCC 50-11.1-03(1)-(3) and 50-11.1-02).
NDAC 75-03-09-09 and NDCC 50-11.1-03(1)-(3) and 50-11.1-02
North Dakota Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Under 18 months (infants) | 1:4 (max group size 10) |
|---|---|
| 18 months to 36 months (toddlers) | 1:5 (max group size 15) |
| 3 years to 4 years | 1:7 (max group size 20) |
| 4 years to 5 years | 1:10 (max group size 25) |
| 5 years to 6 years | 1:12 (max group size 30) |
| 6 years to 12 years (school-age) | 1:20 (max group size 40) |
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North Dakota Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 10) for the Under 18 months (infants) age group.
Does North Dakota cap maximum group size?
North Dakota sets no separate group-size cap and instead regulates staffing through age-based minimum staff-to-child ratios expressed in decimal form (.25 for children under eighteen months, .20 for eighteen to thirty-six months, .14 for thirty-six months to four years, .10 for four to five years, .08 for five to six years, and .05 for six to twelve years), with licensed capacity caps of seven children for family child care, thirty for group child care, and more than thirty for a child care center (NDAC 75-03-09-09 and NDCC 50-11.1-03(1)-(3) and 50-11.1-02).
How many staff do I need for my North Dakota classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. North Dakota ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
North Dakota childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published North Dakota administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood Services (Early Childhood Licensing unit) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.