During the first five years of a child's life, their brain develops faster than at any other time. The experiences a child has during this period have lasting impact, making high-quality early childhood experiences crucial. Research shows that children who have access to these experiences perform better in school, make healthier choices, are more likely to graduate, and find employment.
Bright & Early ND supports our community by empowering early childhood professionals to elevate the quality of care they provide to children from birth to age five. As North Dakota's Quality Improvement System (QIS), we help raise the standards of early childhood programs across the state.
We do this by offering tailored support, specialized training, and financial incentives for early childhood professionals. Our goal is to ensure every child in our community receives the foundation they need to thrive in school and in life.
Choosing an Early Childhood Program
Choosing an early childhood program is an important decision. Bright & Early ND can help. We help families, just like you, by identifying high quality early childhood programs that offer what your child needs to thrive. You deserve to know your child is in a quality care environment that promotes play and learning, supports development, and fosters relationships amongst children.
Bright & Early ND assists families by assessing early childhood programs across the state based on specific quality standards. These standards focus on what your child needs to learn, grow and develop during this stage of life. Our objective system values safe, healthy, and enriching environments, meaningful learning experiences, and caregivers who are adequately prepared.
Bright & Early ND Framework
Bright & Early ND uses a block system approach which includes four levels, or steps, to 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.
Locate a Quality Rated Program
Use the Health & Human services free online child care search tool to locate a Bright & Early ND Quality Rated program. Get customized results by adjusting criteria like location, hours of operation, and ages served.
Questions? Contact Us
Early Childhood Section
600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2115
Toll-Free: (800) 997-8516
Relay ND TTY: 711
Email: dhsec@nd.gov