| License type | Large family child care home |
| Regulating agency | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services — Early Childhood Services — Child Care Licensing |
| Regulatory code | N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-14 (Child Care Centers); NDCC §50-11.1 |
| Typical maximum capacity | Up to 12–14 children with assistant (verify with ND HHS) |
| Assistant required | Yes — when group exceeds small home limit (typically 8+ children) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required; background check + pre-licensing orientation |
| Annual training | Both provider and assistant required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |
North Dakota large family child care home: Capacity rules
Large family child care homes in North Dakota use a capacity model with staffing tiers. Capacity depends on whether an assistant provider is present and the ages of children in care, under N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-14 (Child Care Centers); NDCC §50-11.1.
Large family child care homes require a licensed assistant provider when the group exceeds the single-provider limit. For programs serving fewer children, see the North Dakota small family child care home page.
| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 children | Provider alone | Small family home rules typically apply; verify with ND HHS |
| 9–12 children | Provider + assistant provider | Assistant must be approved by ND HHS; infant limits apply |
| 13–14 children | Provider + assistant provider | Additional capacity criteria may apply; verify with North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services |
| Own children | Counted in total | Both provider’s and assistant’s own children under specified age count toward capacity |
North Dakota large family child care home: Credential & training requirements
Provider / Operator requirements
The licensed provider of a large family child care home in North Dakota must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation. No Director Permit is typically required. The provider must hold current CPR and pediatric first aid certification.
Assistant provider requirements
The assistant provider must also be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete CPR and first aid training. In most states, the assistant must be specifically identified and approved by the licensing agency as part of the license. An unapproved adult cannot fill the assistant role when the group exceeds the single-provider limit.
Annual training requirements
Both the provider and assistant provider must each complete continuing education hours annually as required by North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Contact ND HHS for the current training hour requirement and approved topics.
North Dakota large family child care home: Facility requirements
The physical environment standards for large family child care homes in North Dakota are similar to small homes but must accommodate a larger group, under N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-14 (Child Care Centers); NDCC §50-11.1.
| Setting | Provider’s primary residence — same requirement as small family child care home |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area; must safely accommodate the larger licensed group |
| Space assessment | ND HHS will assess whether the home can safely accommodate the licensed capacity during the pre-licensing inspection |
| Sleeping arrangements | Appropriate sleep surfaces for all infants in care; safe sleep environment required |
| Assistant living arrangements | The assistant provider does not need to reside at the home but must be present whenever the group exceeds the single-provider limit |
How to get a large family child care home license in North Dakota
The large family child care home licensing process in North Dakota is administered by North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Follow these general steps:
- If expanding from a small family child care home, notify ND HHS of your intent — you must apply for a new or modified large family home license.
- Identify your assistant provider and submit their information to North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services — the assistant must complete background checks and CPR/first aid.
- Complete the ND HHS application for a large family child care home license including all required disclosure forms.
- Schedule and pass an updated home inspection that evaluates the home’s capacity for the larger group.
- Obtain any updated local zoning or fire permits if your jurisdiction requires them for the expanded capacity.
- Receive your large family child care home license from North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services specifying the approved capacity and the named assistant provider.
Licensing contact: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services — Early Childhood Services — Child Care Licensing.
Official resource: https://hhs.nd.gov/human-services/provide-services/early-childhood
Growing your family childcare program? Brightwheel grows with you.
As you expand, brightwheel keeps billing, attendance, and parent communication organized — so the paperwork doesn’t slow you down.
Frequently asked questions: North Dakota large family child care home licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services — family child care home licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — North Dakota
Also in this guide: North Dakota Childcare Center Requirements, North Dakota Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, North Dakota Preschool Requirements