Child Care Licensing Toolkit

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Thinking about opening a child care program?

The Child Care Licensing Toolkit is here to help you every step of the way - from starting the licensing process to welcoming your first families. 

 This toolkit will help you:

  • Learn about important health and safety rules
  • Create a safe and welcoming environment for children
  • Grow your skills as a small business owner
  • Support long-term success in your community

Whether you’re just getting started or need a clear plan to move forward, the Child Care Licensing Toolkit gives you the tools, confidence, and support to open a licensed childcare program.

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Get Ready!

  • Health and safety are key to every program’s success.
  • Complete the early childhood provider orientation course series.
  • Finish a health and safety checklist and meet with a health and safety specialist to receive a health and safety kit.

Get Set!

  • You’re on your way!
  • Work with a start-up coordinator to get your space ready to open.
  • Each program will receive an award to buy learning materials that create a fun, engaging environment.

Start Your Childcare!

  • Meet one-on-one with a start-up coordinator as you prepare for licensing.
  • Once you’re ready, you will receive a business toolkit to support your new program.
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Who Can Apply

If you are working on getting a North Dakota child care license, or if you became licensed in the last 90 days, you can apply through your Registry Organization account in the ND Early Childhood Hub.

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How To Apply

Applications open October 1, 2025.

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If you are already licensed, but need to create your Organization Account, start here.

If you are licensed, and haven’t already created your Organization Account, follow the directions starting on page 2 of the Organization Guide.

Organization Guide

Already have an Organization Account and want to apply from a laptop or desktop computer?

  1. Go to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Log in to your Registry Account by entering your email address and password.
  4. To access your organization account click on the blue box with your name in the upper right-hand corner. Then, select your organization name.
  5. On the left side navigation, click on Quality Dashboard.
  6. Click on the blue Apply for Cases button.
  7. Scroll down until you find Child Care Licensing Toolkit, click on the blue Apply button.
  8. There are multiple sections in the application that you will need to review. You can track your progress by viewing the (confirmed, review, and incomplete) icons.
  9. Once all sections have been reviewed and confirmed, click on the blue Submit Application button.
  10. You will need to agree to the Quality Initiative Participation Agreement and click Continue.
  11. To submit your application, click Yes.
  12. Congratulations! You’ve applied for the Child Care Licensing Toolkit!
    • You will receive a confirmation email with next steps. 

Already have an Organization Account and want to apply from a mobile device?

  1. Go to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Log in to your Registry Account by entering your email address and password.
  4. To access your organization account, click on the blue box with your name in the upper right-hand corner. Then, select your organization name.
  5. On the left side navigation, click on Quality Dashboard.
  6. Click on the blue Apply for Cases button.
  7. Scroll down until you find Child Care Licensing Toolkit, click on the blue Apply button.
  8. There are multiple sections in the application that you will need to review. You can track your progress by viewing the (confirmed, review, and incomplete) icons.
  9. Once all sections have been reviewed and confirmed, click on the blue Submit Application button.
  10. You will need to agree to the Quality Initiative Participation Agreement and click Continue.
  11. To submit your application, click Yes.
  12. Congratulations! You’ve applied for the Child Care Licensing Toolkit!
    • You will receive a confirmation email with next steps. 

If you are not licensed yet, you will first need to create a Registry Account and apply for Membership.

  1. First, follow these step-by-step instructions in the Individual Account Guide to create a Registry Account and apply for Membership

Individual Account Guide

  1. Next, follow the steps on page 15 of the Organization Guide to create a Start Child Care Organization Account.

Organization Guide

  1. Congratulations! You’ve created your Organization Account!   
    • A Registry staff person may contact you to review and verify your account information.
    • Once your account is verified, you’ll be able to apply to participate in the Licensing Toolkit.