North Dakota's Best in Class program is a targeted state investment in programs committed to delivering the highest quality experiences to the children and families they serve, and whose actions can demonstrate the return that is possible with intentional, research-supported investments in early childhood. ND Best in Class is built on program characteristics that drive results - high quality, supported interactions between adults and children based on developmentally appropriate experiences.
Teaching staff will be coached and supported in implementing developmentally appropriate environments, play-based curriculum, and authentic observation-based assessments to drive individualized experiences to support children in reaching widely held expectations in the year before kindergarten.
The work done in these programs will be monitored, evaluated, and supported to help ensure that the investment we make has an impact.
Who can apply to participate in ND Best in Class program?
North Dakota early childhood programs interested in quality improvement that serve children who have reached age four before Aug. 1st of the current school year are eligible to apply.
This includes:
- Licensed child care programs (center or group), including those operated through a church, business, or organization, that are in good licensing standing and participating in Bright & Early ND with a current rating of Step 3 or 4 or Nationally Accredited.
- Programs operated by educational facilities, public or private that are committed to completing the Four-Year-Old Program Approval every two years.
- Federally funded Head Start programs. If not also licensed by NDDHHS, program must have completed the Four-Year-Old Program Approval.
Application Information & Process for 2024-2025
Review ND’s Best in Class Program Description and Standards below before applying!
All applications are due by 5 p.m. CT on May 8, 2024.
Interviews will be scheduled as applications are received. Application award notifications will be May 24, 2024. New awardee contracts will being July 1, 2024.
Q&A session for interested applicants. View the presentation.
Email application to dhsec@nd.gov.
Best in Class Program Description & Standards
READ before applying.
- 2024-2025 Program Description
- Environment Standards (Updated July 2023)
- Health and Safety Standards
- Coaching and Consultation Framework
Program Documents
- 2024-2025 Child Information Form
- 2023-2024 Child Information Form
- 2024-2025 Sliding Fee Scale
- 2023-2024 Sliding Fee Scale
- Cover Letter to Families
- Health Screening Permission Form
- Health Screening Record
- Family Engagement Participation Form
- Ready Rosie Family Invite Letter
- 2023-2024 Program Description
Questions about ND Best in Class? Contact Us.
Early Childhood Section
600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2115, 711 (TTY)
Toll-Free: (800) 997-8516
Email: dhsec@nd.gov