Bright & Early ND is North Dakota's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). It is designed to assess, improve, and share the quality of early childhood programs across North Dakota. Bright & Early ND, administered by Health and Human Services, is a key strategy for quality improvement in North Dakota, as stated in NDCC 50-11.1.
Bright & Early ND is getting an update and it’s designed with early childhood programs in mind.
Just like programs work toward continuous improvement, Bright & Early ND is always looking for ways to improve the system that supports you. Over the past year, we gathered feedback from providers and partners to help identify ways to make the framework clearer, more flexible, and easier to navigate.
Our goal is simple. Make the process work better for programs while continuing to support high-quality early childhood experiences for children and families across North Dakota.
What’s Changing?
Beginning July 1, 2026, several updates will take effect. These changes are designed to make the process easier to understand, faster to move through, and more flexible for programs.
Simpler Step Structure
The step categories (e.g., Step 1: Health and Safety) will be simplified to focus on overall quality rather than category titles.
Clearer Application Options
New application types will better reflect where your program is in the process, whether you’re building quality, demonstrating quality for a rating, or maintaining your current rating.
Faster Application Reviews
Applications will now be reviewed twice a month instead of three times per year, helping programs receive feedback and coaching support sooner.
Clearer Pathways
Programs will follow either a standard pathway through the steps or, if eligible, an alternative pathway. The standard pathway allows programs to submit evidence for Step 2, Step 3, or Step 4, while keeping the current block system in place.
Quality Goal Setting
Programs will be able to choose the step they want to work toward, and the system will guide them through the indicators needed to reach that goal.
Indicator Revision
Indicators are being reviewed to make sure they clearly show quality progression, avoid duplication, and remain balanced across all four steps.
What This Means for Current Programs
If your program is already participating in Bright & Early ND, you will not need to start over.
Your current progress will still matter, and you’ll receive information about how your current step aligns with the updated framework. HHS staff and partners will also be available to provide guidance, resources, and technical assistance during the transition.
Our Mission
We focus on high-quality early childhood experiences that build the foundation children need to thrive in school and in life.
Our Goals
Improve the Quality of Early Childhood Experiences
We want to ensure that all children have access to high-quality early childhood experiences. To achieve this, we will implement a progressive quality improvement system, provide coaching and resources, and track outcomes through standardized assessments and evaluations.
Support and Strengthen the Early Childhood Workforce
Our goal is to equip early childhood professionals with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to provide high-quality care. We do this by offering ongoing support, specialized training opportunities, and access to financial incentives.
Increase Family Awareness and Engagement
We aim to empower families to make informed choices about their children's care. We raise awareness about the importance of high-quality early childhood experiences and provide families with accessible information and resources.
Why This Work Matters
During the first five years of a child's life, their brain develops faster than at any other time. The experiences they have during this period will shape their future. That's why high-quality early childhood experiences are so important. Children with access to these experiences do better in school, make healthier choices, are more likely to graduate, and find jobs.
Investing in high-quality early childhood experiences is an investment in the future of North Dakota’s children, families, and communities.
Learn More About Bright & Early ND
Whether you're just starting out or ready to take the next step, find the information you need here! Discover how Bright & Early ND works, the benefits of participation, and explore a variety of resources to support your program.
Overview
Learn how Bright & Early ND works, what we measure, and how your program can benefit.
Resources
Find guides, training options, and answers to common questions—all in one place.
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