Types of care
In North Dakota, a provider must be licensed if caring for more than 3 infants (0-2 Years) or 5 children (0-12 Years). Providers must count their own children who are under 12 years of age. Homes in North Dakota caring for fewer than what is stated above are not required to be licensed, however, they are encouraged to go through a process of self-certification by completing an Affidavit of Standard Compliance. Licensing regulations may be subject to local ordinances.
Types of Licensed Child Care
- Family Child Care: Offered in the home of the provider. Family child care provides an environment where children, infant through school-age, can be together. Providers are allowed to care for no more than 7 children 0-12 years of age. Providers may be licensed to care for two additional school-age children before and after school during the school year and on school holidays.
- Group Child Care: Offers care for as many as 18 children under the supervision of one or more caregivers, dependent on the total number and ages of children. Local community codes prevail.
- Child Care Centers: Provide care for larger groups of children in public or private buildings, churches, or schools. Children are often grouped by age.
- Preschool/Nursery School Programs: Offers part-time educational and socialization experiences for children 2 1/2 years to kindergarten.
- School-Age Programs: Provide services exclusively to school age children before and/or after school. Some programs provide care during school holidays and summer vacations.
- Multiple Licensed Facilities: An Early Childhood facility that
provides more than one type of care, like group or center with a licensed
preschool program with qualified preschool teachers.
Child Care Age Guidelines
Age group descriptions: 
Infant
Birth to 24 monthsToddlers 2 years old Preschool 3 - 5 years old School-age Kindergarten to 12 years
Minimum staff/child ratios for group & Center Care
Infant
1:42 - 3 years 1:5 3 - 4 years 1:7 4 - 5 years 1:10 5 - 6 years 1:12 6 - 12 years 1:18
Types of Unlicensed (But Legal) Child Care
- In-home care: Is provided by a person who comes into your home
to care for your child. An in-home child care provider may live in your
home. This is often referred to as nanny care. Arrangements for this type
of care can be made privately or through an agency.
- Drop-in Care: Provides occasional care for children for no more than 4 continuous hours.
- Affidavit Of Standard Compliance: Provides care for 5 or fewer
children with no more than 3 under 24 months of age (including the
provider's own children). These providers are not monitored by any agency.
They have signed an affidavit agreeing to comply with minimum ratios and
standards.
*To receive reimbursement from the USDA Food Programs or Child Care Assistance, providers must be licensed or hold an Affidavit of Standard Compliance.