2024 CCDF rule update: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tightened CCDBG attendance documentation requirements. North Dakota providers receiving subsidy payments must maintain verifiable attendance records. The January 2026 ACF proposed rule may restore state flexibility, but documentation requirements remain in effect during the comment period.
| Licensing 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 |
| Infant ratio (center) | 1:5 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio (center) | 1:6 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio (center) | 1:12 (max group: —) |
| Subsidy program | Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) |
| CCDBG payment model | Enrollment-based |
| Digital attendance required | Yes — attendance documentation required for subsidy compliance |
North Dakota childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
North Dakota licensed childcare centers must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services under N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-14 (Child Care Centers); NDCC §50-11.1.
| Age group |
Staff:child ratio |
Max group size |
Regulation |
| Infant (0–18 months) |
1:5 |
— |
ND DHS Child Care Licensing Rules 75-03-14 |
| Toddler (18–36 months) |
1:6 |
— |
ND DHS Rules 75-03-14 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) |
1:12 |
— |
ND DHS Rules 75-03-14 |
Source: N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-14 (Child Care Centers); NDCC §50-11.1. Always verify current ratios directly with ND HHS before making staffing decisions.
North Dakota childcare licensing agency
All childcare programs in North Dakota must be licensed by North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services through the Early Childhood Services — Child Care Licensing. The agency conducts pre-licensing inspections, issues licenses, and performs ongoing compliance monitoring.
What changed for North Dakota childcare providers in 2024–2026
2024
HHS CCDF final rule — attendance documentation tightened. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule requiring all states to tighten CCDBG attendance tracking. North Dakota providers receiving subsidy payments must maintain verifiable, date-stamped attendance records for each subsidized child.
Jan 2026
ACF proposed rule — state flexibility may be restored. The Administration for Children and Families published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would allow states to choose between enrollment-based and attendance-based payment models. The rule was in the public comment period as of early 2026. Check
acf.hhs.gov for the latest status.
North Dakota CCDBG / subsidy compliance requirements
North Dakota’s Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy program — Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — is administered by ND Dept of Health & Human Services (HHS). Providers accepting subsidy-funded children must meet attendance documentation requirements to receive reimbursement.
| Program name | Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) |
| Administering agency | ND Dept of Health & Human Services (HHS) |
| Payment model | Enrollment-based — providers paid per authorized enrollment regardless of daily attendance |
| Digital attendance required | Yes — attendance documentation required for subsidy compliance |
| Absence policy | Enrollment-based: ND CCAP pays based on authorized enrollment — verify ND HHS policy |
North Dakota already used enrollment-based payment — fully aligned with the 2024 CCDF rule. The Jan 2026 ACF NPRM proposes restoring state choice (enrollment or attendance). Regardless of outcome, digital attendance documentation protects providers during audits.
Brightwheel helps North Dakota providers stay compliant.
Digital attendance tracking, parent sign-in/sign-out, and subsidy billing — built for North Dakota childcare programs navigating the 2024 CCDF rule change.
Digital attendance logs
Timestamped check-in/out records satisfy ND documentation requirements and create an audit-ready trail.
Subsidy billing
Invoice Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and private-pay families from one platform — no dual systems needed.
Parent sign-in/sign-out
PIN-based parent check-in creates a verifiable attendance record for every drop-off and pickup.
See how brightwheel automates compliance for North Dakota providers →
Frequently asked questions: North Dakota childcare licensing
Does North Dakota require a license to operate a childcare center?
Yes — North Dakota requires all childcare centers serving children in a group setting to be licensed by North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (ND HHS). Licensing ensures programs meet minimum standards for staff-to-child ratios, director qualifications, facility safety, and health requirements. Operating without a license is prohibited and may result in fines or closure.
What are the staff-to-child ratios for childcare centers in North Dakota?
North Dakota licensed childcare centers must maintain the following minimum ratios: infants (under 18 months): 1:5; toddlers (18–36 months): 1:6; preschool age (3–5 years): 1:12 These ratios are set under N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-14 (Child Care Centers); NDCC §50-11.1. Always verify current requirements with ND HHS.
How does North Dakota handle CCDBG subsidy attendance documentation?
North Dakota’s subsidy program is administered through Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) under ND Dept of Health & Human Services (HHS). Enrollment-based — providers paid per authorized enrollment regardless of daily attendance. North Dakota already used enrollment-based payment — fully aligned with the 2024 CCDF rule. The Jan 2026 ACF NPRM proposes restoring state choice (enrollment or attendance). Regardless of outcome, digital attendance documentation protects providers during audits.
What agency licenses childcare in North Dakota?
Childcare programs in North Dakota are licensed by North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services — Early Childhood Services — Child Care Licensing. The regulatory framework is N.D. Admin. Code 75-03-14 (Child Care Centers); NDCC §50-11.1. Visit https://hhs.nd.gov/human-services/provide-services/early-childhood for official licensing applications, regulations, and contacts.
How long does it take to get a childcare license in North Dakota?
The timeline to obtain a childcare center license in North Dakota typically ranges from 2–6 months depending on application completeness, background check processing, and scheduling of the required pre-licensing inspection. Applicants should contact North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services early in the planning process. Programs may not operate until the license is issued.
Does the 2024 HHS rule change affect North Dakota childcare providers?
Yes — the 2024 CCDF final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tightened attendance documentation requirements for all states receiving CCDBG funding, including North Dakota. North Dakota providers receiving CCAP/subsidy payments must maintain accurate, verifiable attendance records. The January 2026 ACF proposed rule may restore some state flexibility, but documentation requirements remain in effect while the rule is under review.
County-specific childcare requirements in North Dakota
Childcare licensing in North Dakota is set at the state level — the same standards apply statewide. However, local requirements vary by county for zoning approvals, conditional use permits, fire safety inspections, health permits, and business licenses. Below are compliance guides for North Dakota’s 3 largest counties by population.
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.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services at
https://hhs.nd.gov/human-services/provide-services/early-childhood before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.
