South Dakota Childcare Licensing
South Dakota Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
South Dakota sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Children up to 3 years of age must be supervised at no looser than 5:1 (five children to one provider) — ARSD 67:42:17:19. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core South Dakota licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamSouth Dakota Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In South Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Children up to 3 years of age age group is 5:1 (five children to one provider) — ARSD 67:42:17:19.
In South Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Children 3 years through 4 years age group is 10:1 (ten children to one provider) — ARSD 67:42:17:19.
In South Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Children 5 years and over (school-age) age group is 15:1 (fifteen children to one provider) — ARSD 67:42:17:19.
In South Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Mixed-age group, program serving 20 or fewer children age group is 10:1, with no more than four children under age 2 in the group — ARSD 67:42:17:20.
In South Dakota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Mixed-age group serving more than 20 children that includes 3 or more children under age 3 age group is 5:1; otherwise (children 3+ only) the ratio of the age group comprising the majority of the group is maintained — ARSD 67:42:17:20.
No statewide numeric group-size cap per age band - for center and school-age programs maximum group sizes are determined by individual approved room capacity (subject to staff-child ratios of 5:1 up to age three, 10:1 ages three through four, and 15:1 age five and over), not a fixed group-size number, per ARSD 67:42:17:19 and 67:42:17:21
subject to staff-child ratios of 5:1 up to age three, 10:1 ages three through four, and 15:1 age five and over
family day care has no group-size limit beyond the 12-child home capacity in ARSD 67:42:17:23.
subject to staff-child ratios of 5:1 up to age three, 10:1 ages three through four, and 15:1 age five and over
South Dakota Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Children up to 3 years of age | 5:1 (five children to one provider) — ARSD 67:42:17:19 |
|---|---|
| Children 3 years through 4 years | 10:1 (ten children to one provider) — ARSD 67:42:17:19 |
| Children 5 years and over (school-age) | 15:1 (fifteen children to one provider) — ARSD 67:42:17:19 |
| Mixed-age group, program serving 20 or fewer children | 10:1, with no more than four children under age 2 in the group — ARSD 67:42:17:20 |
| Mixed-age group serving more than 20 children that includes 3 or more children under age 3 | 5:1; otherwise (children 3+ only) the ratio of the age group comprising the majority of the group is maintained — ARSD 67:42:17:20 |
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South Dakota Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires a staff-to-child ratio of 5:1 (five children to one provider) — ARSD 67:42:17:19 for the Children up to 3 years of age age group.
Does South Dakota cap maximum group size?
No statewide numeric group-size cap per age band - for center and school-age programs maximum group sizes are determined by individual approved room capacity (subject to staff-child ratios of 5:1 up to age three, 10:1 ages three through four, and 15:1 age five and over), not a fixed group-size number, per ARSD 67:42:17:19 and 67:42:17:21; family day care has no group-size limit beyond the 12-child home capacity in ARSD 67:42:17:23.
How many staff do I need for my South Dakota classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. South Dakota ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
South Dakota childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published South Dakota administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), Child Care Services — Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA), 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.