Child Care and Development Fund

CCDF dollars enhance the quality of child care for all children by:

• Protecting the health and safety of children in child care,
• Promoting continuity of access to subsidy for income-eligible families,
• Informing parents and the general public about child care choices available to them,
• Improving the overall quality of early learning and afterschool programs.

Additionally, North Dakota uses CCDF to invest in quality by:

• Building the skills and qualifications of the teacher workforce
• Supporting child care programs to achieve higher standards
• Providing consumer education to help parents select child care that meets their families’ needs

To receive CCDF funds, states must establish requirements for health and safety standards in 11 areas. All licensed and self-declared providers in North Dakota are eligible to receive CCDF funding and must follow these standards:

1. Prevention and control of infectious diseases (including immunization)
2. Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleep practices
3. Administration of medication, consistent with standards for parental consent
4. Prevention and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions
5. Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic
6. Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment
7. Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster or a man-caused event
   • The planning at the child care provider level must include procedures for evacuation, relocation, shelter-in-place and lockdown, as well as training and drills for staff and volunteers, communications and reunification with families, continuity of operations, and accommodations for infants and toddlers, children with disabilities and children with chronic medical conditions.
8. Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of bio-contaminants
9. Appropriate precautions in transporting children (if applicable)
10. Pediatric first-aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
11. Recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect

To assure health and safety standards are being met by child care providers, Licensing Specialists will conduct both announced and unannounced monitoring visits annually.

Comprehensive background checks are also required as a basic safeguard to protect the safety of children in child care and minimize children’s risk of abuse and neglect.

Through the CCDF child care providers and families receive these services and support:

• Equal access to the Child Care Assistance Program
• Health and safety standards for all licensed or self-declared providers
• Child Care Resource and Referral agency
• Bright & Early North Dakota, the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System
• Licensing inspection and monitoring information
• Complaint process for families and providers

Learn More - CCDF Fact Sheet

The plan is organized into 10 sections:
1. CCDF Program Administration
2. Child and Family Eligibility and Enrollment and Continuity of Care
3. Child Care Affordability
4. Parental Choice, Equal Access, Payment Rates, and Payment Practices
5. Health and Safety of Child Care Settings
6. Support for a Skilled, Qualified, and Compensated Child Care Workforce
7. Quality Improvement Activities
8. Lead Agency Coordination and Partnerships to Support Service Delivery
9. Family Outreach and Consumer Education
10. Program Integrity and Accountability

Every three years, North Dakota’s HHS Early Childhood and Economic Assistance sections develop the triennial state plan in consultation with key partners. 

Prior to being submitted at the end of June every third year, HHS holds an open meeting to gather public comment.    

After the plan is submitted, it is reviewed by the regional office and the Office of Child Care (OCC).   

If any areas of non-compliance (deficiencies) are found, the state works with the regional team to make the necessary corrections to ensure all CCDF requirements are being met. To be compliant, changes may need to be made to law, rule, policy, or procedures. 

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) makes approved plans publicly available to many users including members of Congress, Congressional committees, state and local child care administrators, advocacy groups, researchers, and the general public.

Current Plan

Approved Plan - Effective 10/1/2024

•  2025-2027 ND Child Care and Development Fund State Plan

Public Comment - May 2024

• 2025-2027 CCDF State Plan Public Comments and Responses