Child Care Regulations

The North Dakota Century Code on this webpage contains currently effective laws of North Dakota Early Childhood Services.

North Dakota Century Code 50-11.1 requires the Department of Health & Human Services to administer the licensure of Early Childhood Services (child care) and authorizes the Department to develop standards to regulate child care settings.

Administrative Code is the collection of all rules of state administrative agencies. Early Childhood Services Administrative Code contains the standards (rules) developed by the Department to regulate child care settings, as authorized by Century Code (law).

Administrative Code may be updated quarterly. The Early Childhood Services Advisory Board provides feedback to the Early Childhood Section each time the agency reviews early childhood services rules.

North Dakota law provides for a variety of licensed and license-exempt program options, from smaller family settings to larger center facilities, allowing families to take their needs, preferences, and experiences into account to choose the type of care that is the best fit.

Policies are guidelines that provide a framework for daily activities. Early Childhood Section policies provide guidance to both state staff and child care providers. Policy Manuals are living documents; the public is encouraged to check back often for updates.

Early Childhood
600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250

Phone: (701) 328-2115
Toll-Free: (800) 997-8516
Relay ND TTY: 711
Email: dhsec@nd.gov