In South Dakota, it is not a requirement for a family day care provider to be registered with the state. However, it is against the law for any one person to care for more than 12 children in their own home environment without a license. Unregistered providers are not mandated by the state to fulfill these requirements. When looking at a number of different providers, whether registered or unregistered, you need to be aware of what your standards are and determine if the provider meets your standards or quality. Unregistered providers do not have an age restriction, but are limited to 12 children of any age .
Unregistered providers have no formal papers, visit or contact from the licensing officials.
Registered providers need to participate in at least 6 hours of training every year and are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The registered provider must have enrollment forms and immunization records available on all children and must abide by the minimum sanitation and safety requirements. The registered provider is visited once every 2 years by a Registration Worker. Unregistered providers are not required to meet the state's standards or requirements. No visits are made to the home unless there is a complaint.