Licensing rules · North Dakota
Daycare ratios in North Dakota
In a North Dakota daycare center, one adult may care for up to 4 babies, 5 children at 18 months, 7 three-year-olds or 10 four-year-olds. Groups range from 10 babies to 25 four-year-olds.
- Babies (6 weeks)
- 1:4
- Toddlers (18 months)
- 1:5
- 3-year-olds
- 1:7
- 4-year-olds
- 1:10
Daycare centers
Ratios and group sizes in North Dakota centers
The most children one adult may care for, and the largest group allowed in one room, at each age. From North Dakota's licensing rules as compiled in the 2025 national database.
| Child's age | Adults to children | Largest group |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks | 1:41 adult for 4 children | 10 children |
| 11 months | 1:41 adult for 4 children | 10 children |
| 18 months | 1:51 adult for 5 children | 15 children |
| 35 months | 1:51 adult for 5 children | 15 children |
| 3 years | 1:71 adult for 7 children | 20 children |
| 4 years | 1:101 adult for 10 children | 25 children |
| 5 years | 1:121 adult for 12 children | 30 children |
| 6 years | 1:201 adult for 20 children | 40 children |
| 7 years | 1:201 adult for 20 children | 40 children |
| 8 to 9 years | 1:201 adult for 20 children | 40 children |
| 10 years and older | 1:201 adult for 20 children | 40 children |
The national database reads each state's rule at these sample ages; North Dakota's own rules give the exact age bands.
In the room
What the ratio means for your child
A ratio is the most children one adult may care for at the same time. At 1:4 for babies, a full infant group of 10, the most North Dakota allows, needs at least 3 caregivers in the room.
The ratio is a minimum. Rooms are most likely to fall short at the start and end of the day, so count the adults and children yourself on a tour and ask who covers lunch and nap breaks.
North Dakota's rules cover mixed-age groups; ask the daycare which ratio it follows when ages mix.
Home daycares
Rules for home daycares in North Dakota
North Dakota home daycares have their own limits, shown below. A family home stays small, with room for a few school-age children as well. A group home may care for more children, and the number of caregivers it needs depends on the children's ages: a baby counts for far more than a school-age child.
In a home that mixes ages, ask how many babies are in the group, how many adults are there through the day, and who steps in when the provider is away.
- As the national database records them
- Family child care home (one provider): up to 7 children (plus 2 school-age children).
- Group child care home (two or more providers): the rule reads (children to adults): “(1) For children younger than eighteen months of age, a ratio of .25 in decimal form is assigned; (2) For children eighteen months of age to thirty-six months of age, a ratio of .20 in decimal form is assigned; (3) For children thirty-six months of age to four years of age, a ratio of .14 in decimal form is assigned; (4) For children four years of age to five years of age, a ratio of .10 in decimal form is assigned; (5) For children five years of age to six years of age, a ratio of .08 in decimal form is assigned; (6) For children six years to twelve years of age, a ratio of .05 in decimal form is assigned.” Largest group: 30 children.
Enforcement
How North Dakota checks these rules
- Centers: North Dakota reported routine inspections twice a year, without notice.
- Family child care homes: routine inspections twice a year, without notice.
Inspection schedules are from a 2017 national survey of state licensing agencies.
On the tour
Ask about ratios on a tour
- How many adults are in my child's room, and how many children?
- How do staff keep track of every child during outdoor play, nap and pick-up?
- Who may pick up my child, and how do you check?
- Is the ratio the same at the start and end of the day, when fewer staff are in?
More questions: the daycare tour checklist.
Questions
Questions about daycare ratios in North Dakota
What is the infant ratio for daycare centers in North Dakota?
1:4. One adult may care for up to 4 babies, with no more than 10 in a group.
What is the toddler ratio in North Dakota?
1:5 at both 18 months and 35 months, with groups of up to 15 children.
What is the ratio for 4-year-olds in North Dakota daycares?
1:10, with up to 25 children in a group. At 3 years it is 1:7 with groups of up to 20.
How many children can a North Dakota home daycare have?
A family home may care for up to 7 children plus 2 school-age children. A group home may have up to 30, with the staff it needs set by the children's ages.
How do I check whether a daycare keeps to the ratio?
Count the adults and children in the room on your tour, at drop-off or pick-up if you can. Ask the director how breaks are covered and how many babies each adult cares for.
Rules change. Before you rely on a number here, check North Dakota's current licensing rules or ask the state licensing agency.
Source: National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations, Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families (licensingregulations.acf.hhs.gov), 2025 tables, retrieved October 7, 2026.