Who needs a child care center license in South Dakota?

Issued by South Dakota Department of Social Services, Child Care Services, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

1 of the 20 kinds of business in South Dakota

Care for 13 or more children must be licensed by the Department; smaller programs register. Request the application packet, complete the orientation, then apply with the zoning approval, the fire inspection, the floor plan, written policies including an emergency plan and the director’s qualifications; fingerprint background checks cover the owner, director and every staff member before the licensing visit. Child Care Services: 605-566-4382 or 800-227-3020.

Draft. This row was drafted from the agency’s own page and has not yet been confirmed against it. Confirm it with the agency before you pay anything.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by South Dakota Department of Social Services, Child Care Services.

Sources and dates

SDCL 26-6; ARSD 67:42 (child care licensing rules, amended July 2023); Department of Social Services Child Care Services. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.