Licensed Daycare in North Dakota
Find the right daycare in North Dakota in under 5 minutes. 533 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against North Dakota DHHS — Early Childhood Services. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official North Dakota licensing records.
North Dakota childcare by the numbers
North Dakota Childcare Licensing
In North Dakota, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the North Dakota DHHS — Early Childhood Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about North Dakota: North Dakota has scarce supply (lowest state population density in the lower 48). Western oil patch towns often face acute shortages. CCAP serves families up to 60% state median.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- North Dakota DHHS — Early Childhood Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $900/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $720/mo
North Dakota Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in North Dakota runs about $10,800/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from North Dakota center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in North Dakota
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Check eligibility for North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Most North Dakota families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in North Dakota often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (800) 755-2716.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the North Dakota DHHS — Early Childhood Services database and tour during operating hours.
North Dakota Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
North Dakota families can apply for North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (800) 755-2716
Official North Dakota & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in North Dakota — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in North Dakota is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in North Dakota?
How much does daycare cost in North Dakota?
Are subsidies available for childcare in North Dakota?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a North Dakota daycare?
Where to get childcare help in North Dakota
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programNorth Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 755-2716 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with North Dakota DHHS — Early Childhood Services.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for North Dakota are compiled from official North Dakota DHHS — Early Childhood Services licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 533 Licensed North Dakota Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.