South Dakota Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

South Dakota childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per ARSD 67:42:17:41 (Night-time care — only operating-hour-specific rule; chapter 67:42:17 sets no general hours-of-operation requirement. Umbrella: ARSD 67:42:17:01 / SDCL 26-6-16).

ARSD 67:42:17:41 (Night-time care — only operating-hour-specific rule; chapter 67:42:17 sets no general hours-of-operation requirement. Umbrella: ARSD 67:42:17:01 / SDCL 26-6-16)

South Dakota childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per ARSD 67:42:17:34 (Prevention of child maltreatment — behavior management strategies and prohibited discipline/corporal punishment).

ARSD 67:42:17:34 (Prevention of child maltreatment — behavior management strategies and prohibited discipline/corporal punishment)

South Dakota childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per ARSD 67:42:17:22 (Health standards and immunizations for day care children — requires separating an ill child, notifying parents, and notifying the Department of Health of communicable disease).

ARSD 67:42:17:22 (Health standards and immunizations for day care children — requires separating an ill child, notifying parents, and notifying the Department of Health of communicable disease)

South Dakota childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per ARSD 67:42:17:25 (Medication administration) and ARSD 67:42:17:26 (Medication storage).

ARSD 67:42:17:25 (Medication administration) and ARSD 67:42:17:26 (Medication storage)

South Dakota childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per ARSD 67:42:17:36 (Emergency preparedness and response planning — written plan, evacuation/shelter-in-place/lockdown procedures, minimum two drills per calendar year).

ARSD 67:42:17:36 (Emergency preparedness and response planning — written plan, evacuation/shelter-in-place/lockdown procedures, minimum two drills per calendar year)

South Dakota childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per ARSD 67:42:17:18 (Supervision and group size — Center and school-age programs; governs supervision including drop-off/pick-up periods. No dedicated sign-in/out rule exists — umbrella citation).

ARSD 67:42:17:18 (Supervision and group size — Center and school-age programs; governs supervision including drop-off/pick-up periods. No dedicated sign-in/out rule exists — umbrella citation)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in South Dakota?

Childcare licensing in South Dakota is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), Child Care Services — Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA), 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501. Official licensing information is published at https://dss.sd.gov/childcare/licensing/.

How many handbook policy sections does South Dakota require?

South Dakota requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does South Dakota inspect licensed childcare centers?

At least one pre-licensure inspection and at least one annual unannounced inspection by the Department to determine compliance (ARSD 67:42:17:03). Additional visits may occur to verify plans of correction, investigate complaints, or respond to reported incidents. (Construction/fire-safety standards are addressed under ARSD 67:42:17:31; a separate annual fire inspection is not stated in 67:42:17:03.)

What happens if a South Dakota center is out of compliance?

Noncompliance is typically addressed via a plan of correction (ARSD 67:42:17:03). The Department may revoke a license or registration certificate on 30-day written notice — or immediately when necessary to prevent danger to a child's life, health, or safety — after which the provider may not reapply for at least one year (ARSD 67:42:17:05). Operating child care without a required license or registration is a misdemeanor (SDCL 26-6-9). Hindering a monitor (SDCL 26-6-55), retaliatory acts (SDCL 26-6-56), and prohibited-person/background-check violations (SDCL 26-6-14.10, 26-6-14.11) are misdemeanors. A mandatory reporter who intentionally fails to report suspected child abuse or neglect is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor — up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine (SDCL 26-8A-3 / 26-8A-8; class penalties per SDCL 22-6-2).