Choosing the right type of care for your child requires an investment of time. Use the online search tool, checklist and other resources to help you make an informed decision.
Learn About Your Options
When looking for an early childhood program, there are several types to choose from. You will want to take your family’s needs, preferences, and experiences into account and choose the type of care that is the best fit for you.
Begin Your Search
Begin your search for early childhood programs by using the free online search tool. Get customized results by adjusting criteria like location, hours of operation, and ages served. Personalized help is available through your local Child Care Resource and Referral by calling 1-800-997-8515 or by emailing referral@ndchildcare.org.
Visit and Ask Questions
Visit programs in-person and talk with the providers. Use the Child Care Checklist as a guide to the most important things to look for and key questions to ask.
Take a Closer Look
Check references and records for the programs you are considering. Ask for references from families who are currently using the program and families who have used the program in the past. When using the free online search tool, make sure to look over the program's licensing status, inspection reports, and Bright & Early ND Quality Rating.
Licensing Status
Check to see if the program is licensed, registered, certified, or legally licensed-exempt. Also, see if the program’s license been suspended or revoked.
Inspection Reports
Look at each program’s inspection reports to see if the program has violated any health and safety requirements and if and how they fixed those violations. You can also see if there was a complaint filed against the program that was found to be valid.
Bright & Early ND Quality Rating
Bright & Early ND is North Dakota's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) designed to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality of early childhood programs. We help families identify high-quality early childhood programs that build the foundation children need to thrive in school and in life.
Bright & Early ND uses a block system approach which includes four levels, or steps, of quality. Each step focuses on a component of quality care and must be demonstrated by the early childhood program before moving to the next step.
Bright & Early ND Quality Ratings are reliable and easy to understand. Look for the Bright & Early ND Quality Rating symbols to spot an early childhood program that is going above and beyond for the children in their care.
Step 1: Health and Safety
Step 1 Quality Rated programs are meeting and maintaining child care licensing regulations, this is the foundation of Bright & Early ND. Licensed early childhood programs are required to maintain at least minimum standards related to; physical space, safety features, cleanliness, staff qualifications and staff-to-child ratios. Children need to be healthy and feel safe to learn and grow. It is the first step in preparing children to be ready for school, work, and life.
Step 2: Space and Materials
Step 2 Quality Rated programs are on the path to continuous quality improvement. They continue to meet the requirements of Step 1 and provide a safe, responsive, and engaging environment that sets the stage for optimal early childhood experiences. An intentionally designed environment allows opportunities for children to experiment, practice their skills, analyze, socialize and problem solve. When the environment supports children’s learning and development, they are better prepared for school, work, and life.
Step 3: Activities and Experiences
Step 3 Quality Rated programs continue to meet the requirements of Steps 1 and 2 and provide meaningful activities and experiences that build upon children's strengths and development. Using a curriculum to plan activities and guide teaching practices which align to the North Dakota Early Standards. In addition, they conduct observation-based assessments to ensure children are making progress toward the goals outlined in their curriculum. When children have meaningful experiences, they are better prepared for school, work, and life.
Step 4: Relationships and Interactions
Step 4 Quality Rated programs continue to meet the requirements of Steps 1-3 and foster relationships that support and emphasize children’s interests, motivations, and points of view. All children benefit from being in warm, supportive environments where they can take risks, learn new things, and develop strong relationships with their caregivers and peers. When children experience high-quality interactions, they are better prepared for school, work, and life.
Get Involved!
Now that your child is enrolled, what’s next? You are your child’s first and most important teacher! Play, read, sing and talk with your child every day. Make sure you talk to your child’s provider regularly about how your child is doing at home and in child care.