Bright & Early ND is North Dakota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) designed to empower early childhood professionals to build upon and improve the quality of care they provide to children ages birth to five.
We do this by supporting early childhood professionals through targeted technical assistance, specialized training opportunities, and access to financial incentives. By partnering with early childhood programs, we are coming together to ensure all children receive the foundation they need to thrive in school and in life.
Bright & Early ND Leadership Team
As the Quality Administrator for the Bright & Early ND Leadership Team, Tara provides system oversight and develops policies to support implementation of Bright & Early ND.
Tara Wateland | (701) 298-4557 | twateland@nd.gov
As the Validation Specialist for the Bright & Early ND Leadership Team, Sabrina implements the Quality Rating process by processing applications; evaluating and scoring evidence; and awarding Quality Ratings.
Sabrina Bachman | (701) 787-6529 | sbachman@nd.gov
Bright & Early ND Support Team
You won’t be on this journey alone! As a participating program, you will work with a designated support team to discuss your program’s strengths and needs, set goals, create plans for improvement, and reflect on your progress. Support is provided free of charge to help programs of all types, big or small, to set goals and create plans for improvement.
Health & Human Services contracts with Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP) to provide outreach, assessment, and technical assistance to programs participating in Bright & Early ND. Learn more about the support team and make a connection today!
As the Manager for the Bright & Early ND Support Team, Angela provides oversight and direction for program outreach, assessment, and technical assistance services. In addition, she serves as a liaison to the Bright & Early ND Leadership Team.
Angela, Manager| (218) 593-1469 | angelaw@caplp.org
As the Quality Navigator for the Bright & Early ND Support Team, Brianna supports to early childhood professionals--including caregivers, teachers, supervisors, directors, and administrators--by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to concerns. She is the first point of contact for early childhood programs participating in Bright & Early ND.
Brianna, Navigator | (218) 512-1510 | briannas@caplp.org
The Quality Coaches provide support, resources, and technical assistance to early childhood professionals--including caregivers, teachers, supervisors, directors, and administrators--to build capacity for continuous quality improvement. They have specialized knowledge and training in achieving and maintaining the Bright & Early ND Quality Standards. Participating programs are assigned a Quality Coach at the beginning of their quality improvement journey.
Laci, Coach Coordinator | (218) 979-0347 | lacic@caplp.org
- Cavalier, Cass, Grand Forks, Griggs, Pembina, Nelson, Steele, Traill, and Walsh Counties
Ashley, Quality Coach | (507) 450-8247 | ashleyh@caplp.org
- Adam, Billings, Bowman, Burke, Divide, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Mountrail, Slope, Stark, and Williams Counties
Beth, Quality Coach | (701) 230-4030 | bethh@caplp.org
- Barnes, Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, Foster, McHenry, Nelson, Pierce, Ramsey, Renville, Rolette, Stutsman, Towner, and Ward Counties
Erin, Quality Coach | (701) 997-4662 | erink@caplp.org
- Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, and Stutsman Counties
Trudi, Quality Coach | (218) 979-0654 | trudip@caplp.org
- Burleigh, Dickey, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan, and Sioux Counties
The Assessors conduct onsite observations to early childhood programs participating in Bright & Early ND. They have specialized knowledge and training in the Environment Rating Scales® and CLASS®. Participating programs are assigned an Assessor when an observation is requested.
Sarah, Assessor Coordinator | (218) 979-0346 | sarahb@caplp.org
- Barnes, Cass, Dickey, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Stutsman Counties
Denise, Assessor | (701) 430-0654 | deniseo@caplp.org
- Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster, Grand Forks, Griggs, McHenry, Nelson, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, Steele, Towner, Traill, Walsh, and Wells Counties
Niki, Assessor | (218) 979-0301 | nikih@caplp.org
- Adam, Billings, Bowman, Divide, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, McKenzie, Slope, Stark, and Williams Counties
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