Bright & Early ND Resources

What is the requirement?

The Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or Lead Caregivers have verified employment in the Early Childhood Workforce Registry.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select the "Employees" tab.
4. Verify that all currently employed Program Directors, Lead Teachers and/or Lead Caregivers are listed.
5. Verify that each required staff member is marked "Verified by Program".

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "2.1 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The Program Director and all Lead Teachers and/or Lead Caregivers must have a Career Pathway placement of Category A or higher in the Early Childhood Workforce Registry.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select the "Employees" tab.
4. Verify that all currently employed Program Directors, Lead Teachers, and/or Lead Caregivers are listed.
5. Verify that each required staff member has a Career Pathway placement of Category A or higher.

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "2.2 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or Lead Caregivers have earned at least two foundational badges.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. On the "Badges" tile, select "View All Badges".
3. Review the foundational badge requirements by selecting "View Requirements".

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "2.3 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The program completes a Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®) observation at least once every three years, with at least 50% of classrooms or groups observed. 

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select the "Classrooms" tab.
4. Review observation records.
5. Verify that at least 50% of classrooms or groups have been observed within the past three years.
6. If your program does not meet this requirement, apply for a new Program Observation.

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "2.4 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The program completes a curriculum self-assessment that reflects current practices, including daily schedule, environment, interactions, and routines.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. To request a copy of the Bright & Early ND Curriculum Self-Assessment, please contact your coach or email qris@nd.gov. 
2. Complete all sections using your current program practices.
3. Review the completed self-assessment to ensure it accurately reflects your program practices.
4. Keep the completed self-assessment available to review with your coach.

What is the requirement?

The program develops a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that includes at least two goals created within the past six months. 

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select "Quality Dashboard" from the left-side navigation menu.
4. Scroll to the "Quality Improvement Plan" section.
5. Review current goals to verify that at least two goals have been created within the past six months.
6. If additional goals are needed, select "Add Goal".
7. Complete each section of the goal and select "Save".

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "2.6 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or Lead Caregivers have earned at least four foundational badges.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. On the "Badges" tile, select "View All Badges".
3. Review the foundational badge requirements by selecting "View Requirements".

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "3.1 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The program completes a Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®) observation at least once every two years, with at least 75% of classrooms or groups observed. 

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select the "Classrooms" tab.
4. Review observation records.
5. Verify that at least 75% of classrooms or groups have been observed within the past two years.
6. If your program does not meet this requirement, apply for a new Program Observation.

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "3.2 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The program completes a curriculum implementation tool to plan and document how curriculum is implemented across the environment, interactions, and routines.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. To request a copy of the Bright & Early ND Curriculum Implementation Tool, please contact your coach or email QRIS@nd.gov.
2. Complete all sections to document how your curriculum is implemented across the environment, interactions, and routines.
3. Review the completed tool to ensure it documents how curriculum is implemented across the environment, interactions, and routines.
4. Keep the completed tool available to review with your coach.

What is the requirement?

The program implements GOLD® as its child assessment system and actively uses the SmartTeach™ platform to document children's learning and development through observation.

All children currently enrolled in the program, ages birth to five, must have a GOLD® portfolio in SmartTeach™. Verification between the program's organization account and SmartTeach™ account will be used to score this indicator.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

Check Enrollment

1. Log in to your SmartTeach™ account.
2. Select "Manage" from the left-side navigation menu.
3. Select "Class Groups" to view all classrooms or groups in SmartTeach™.
4. Select the "Settings" button (gear icon) and ensure the following columns are displayed:
   • Class Group
   • Age/Grade
   • Primary Teacher
   • Number of Children
5. Verify that the number of children enrolled is current and accurate.

Check Documentation

1. Log in to your SmartTeach™ account.
2. Select "Report" from the left-side navigation menu.
3. Open the "Administrator Documentation Status" report.
4. Verify that the "Time Frame" filter is set to the most recently completed checkpoint.
5. Select "Generate" to create the report.
6. Review the report to verify documentation of children's learning and development through ongoing observation.

What is the requirement?

The Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or Lead Caregivers have a current GOLD® Interrater Reliability Certification.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklists below to check your progress:

1. Log in to your SmartTeach™ account.
2. Select "Report" from the left-side navigation menu.
3. Open "Quorum PD Reports" to review GOLD® Interrater Reliability Certification progress.
4. Under "Manage My Team", select "Certificate Dashboard". 
5. Verify that the "Start Date" and "End Date" filter reflect a three-year period.
6. Verify that each required staff member has a current certification.

What is the requirement?

The program implements a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that includes at least two goals completed within the previous twelve months and two new goals created within the past six months. 

How do I prepare?

Use the checklists below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select "Quality Dashboard" from the left-side navigation menu.
4. Scroll to the "Quality Improvement Plan" section.
5. Review completed goals to verify that at least two goals were completed within the previous twelve months.
6. Review current goals to verify that at least two new goals have been created within the past six months.
7. If additional goals are needed, select "Add Goal."
8. Complete each section of the goal and select "Save".

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "3.6 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The Program Director and all Lead Teachers and/or Lead Caregivers must have a Career Pathway placement of Category E or higher in the Early Childhood Workforce Registry.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select the "Employees" tab.
4. Verify that all currently employed Program Directors, Lead Teachers and/or Lead Caregivers are listed.
5. Verify that each required staff member has a Career Pathway placement of Category E or higher.

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "4.1 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The Program Director has completed the Aim4Excellence™ Director Credential.

This indicator applies only to programs with a Center License. Programs without a Center License will be scored as N/A and assessed under Quality Indicator 4.3. 

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. On the "Education and Certifications" tile, select "View All Education".
3. Review "Other Education" to verify that the Aim4Excellence™ Director Credential is listed.
4. If the credential is not listed, select "Add Education Entry" and add the credential information and supporting documentation.

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "4.2 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The Lead Caregiver has earned at least one badge related to business, management, and administration. 

This indicator applies to license types that do not require the Aim4Excellence™ Director Credential under Indicator 4.2. Programs with a Center License will be scored as N/A for this indicator.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. On the "Badges" tile, select "View All Badges".
3. Review the leadership badge requirements by selecting "View Requirements".
4. Verify that the Lead Caregiver has earned at least one qualifying badge.

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "4.3 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The program completes a Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®) observation annually with 100% of classrooms or groups observed. 

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select the "Classrooms" tab.
4. Review observation records.
5. Verify that 100% of classrooms or groups have received an observation within the past year.
6. If your program does not meet this requirement, apply for a new Program Observation.

When you have reviewed these items, navigate to the "Reports" tab and review the "4.4 Quality Indicator Report" to check your progress toward completing this indicator.

What is the requirement?

The program implements a curriculum that is aligned with the ND Early Learning Standards: Birth to Kindergarten. The program uses a curriculum alignment tool to show how learning experiences support developmental domains and uses this alignment to guide instructional decisions.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. To request a copy of the Bright & Early ND Curriculum Alignment Tool, please contact your coach or email QRIS@nd.gov.
2. Complete all sections using your current program practices.
3. Review the completed tool to ensure it accurately shows how learning experiences support developmental domains and guide instructional decisions.
4. Keep the completed tool available to review with your coach.

What is the requirement?

The program uses Teaching Strategies GOLD® to conduct ongoing child assessment and completes yearly checkpoints (fall, winter, spring). Each classroom or group must complete at least 70% of objectives and dimensions within each developmental area during each checkpoint.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to your SmartTeach™ account.
2. Select "Report" from the left-side navigation menu.
3. Open the "Administrator Assessment Status" report.
4. Set the "Time Frame" filter to the checkpoint period you are reviewing (fall, winter, or spring).
5. Select "Generate" to create the report.
6. If your program has multiple classrooms or groups, expand the "Entity Name" filter to view all classrooms or groups.
7. Review the report to verify that each classroom or group has completed at least 70% of objectives and dimensions within each developmental area for the selected checkpoint.

What is the requirement?

The program implements a continuous quality improvement process through its Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). The program uses one or more data sources (e.g., assessment data, observations, family feedback) to develop, monitor, revise, and evaluate QIP goals. The program documents progress toward goals, analyzes results, and makes adjustments based on data findings.

How do I prepare?

Use the checklist below to check your progress:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select "Quality Dashboard" from the left-side navigation menu.
4. Scroll to the "Quality Improvement Plan" section.
5. Review current and completed goals.
6. Identify the data source(s) used to develop your goals.
7. Document how progress toward each goal has been monitored over time.
8. Document how data findings were used to revise your goals.
9. Gather examples of adjustments or improvements made based on data review.
10. Save notes or draft responses for submission during the quality rating process.

Follow the steps below:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. Navigate to your organization account.
3. Select the "Classrooms" tab.
4. Scroll to the "Program Capacity & Enrollment" section, select "Edit".
5. Review the information entered and select "Update".
6. Scroll to the "Owner" or "Program Director" section, select "Edit". 
   • Select "Add".
   • Select the employee from the list of current organization employees.
   • Enter the date the employee started in the Owner or Program Director role.
   • Select "Confirm".
   • Review the information entered and select "Return".
7. Scroll to the "Classroom" section, select "Add" to create a new classroom or group. 

The Alternative Pathway is a streamlined process to achieve a Step 4 Quality Rating. This option is available because the requirements of the accreditation and Head Start Performance Standards mirror or exceed the requirements of the Standard Pathway.

Programs with a Head Start designation or certificate of accreditation from one of the following organizations are eligible to pursue the Alternate Pathway:

• National Association for the Education for Young Children (NAEYC)
• National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) accreditation
• Council on Accreditation (COA)
• National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC)

Programs following the Alternative Pathway will complete all the required indicators within that pathway. Please see the list below for all required indicators: 

• 4.1
• 4.2
• 4.3
• 4.4
• 4.5
• 4.6
• 4.7

Before the Observation
Your assigned observer will confirm your scheduled observation 48 hours beforehand with a phone call. If you're not available, they'll leave a message. They'll also send an email to the address listed in your organization account.

On the morning of the observation, the observer will arrive 5-10 minutes early. If your program has multiple classrooms or groups, they'll meet with the Program Director or Lead Caregiver to review the schedule.

At this meeting, the observer will need some information:

• The names of the Lead Teachers or Lead Caregivers who will be present during the observation
• The number of children enrolled in each classroom or group
• If any children have special needs
• The birthdates of the oldest and youngest children in each classroom or group

We recommend that you stick to your regular schedule, including both indoor and outdoor activities. If something unexpected comes up, like a thunderstorm, just follow your usual plan for that situation.

During the Observation

The observation is divided into three cycles. Each cycle includes fifteen minutes of observation, followed by 10 minutes of scoring, during which the observer will step out of the room. After scoring, they might take a few extra minutes to prepare for the next cycle. 

The observer will let you know when they start and finish the observation. They'll stay in the background and limit their interactions with both children and adults during the observation.

After the Observation

Once the observation is complete, the observer will let you know. They'll create a summary report based on the data collected during the observation and email it to your program within three weeks of the observation date.

Child Enrollment Requirements

To meet the requirements, at least one child from each classroom or group must be in attendance on the day of the observation.

SM.1 Program serves nutritious meals and snacks to children

Early childhood programs play a critical role in supporting the health and wellness of children through the provision of nutritious foods. Early childhood professionals have a powerful opportunity to instill healthy habits in young children that serve as a foundation for healthy choices throughout life.

Option 1: Participation in a National Food Program 

Program is actively participating in a national food program, either the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) or National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and is in good standing. Active participation means the program is fulfilling the requirements to receive potential benefits on a monthly basis.

To meet this option, programs must submit evidence that:

• Shows active participation (e.g., billing statements or proof of payment)
• Includes a valid date (e.g., month-day-year)
• Is dated within 60 days of the Quality Standards Inventory submission

Option 2: Not Participating in a National Food Program  

The program is not actively participating in a national food program.

To meet this option, programs must submit:

• One week of menus aligned with USDA guidelines, and
• Completed Go NAPSACC Self-Assessment(s).

Please contact your coach to request a copy of the Go NAPSACC Self-Assessments specific to your program type.

SM.2 ERS® observation conducted by an endorsed ERS® Assessor

The Environment Rating Scale® (ERS®) is a series of reliable, valid, research-based observation tools designed to assess the early childhood environment. Programs must have a valid ERS® observation conducted every 3 years. For programs receiving an ITERS-3™ and/or ECERS-3™ observation, 33% of randomly selected classrooms will be observed.

To meet this indicator, programs must submit:

• Observation summary report(s) representing at least 33% of the classrooms or groups served, and
• Is dated within the previous 3 years

SM.3 Program develops a Quality Improvement Plan

Program develops a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that:

• Is guided by ERS® observation summary report(s),
• Includes both short-term and long-term goals,
• Includes action items to support overall quality improvement.

A Quality Improvement Plan is part of the continuous quality improvement process in which programs assess their strengths and opportunities for growth, set achievable goals, and develop realistic plans for improvement.

To meet this indicator, programs must submit:

• QIP that reflects all the components listed above, and
• Is dated within the previous 12 months

SM.4 Program staff have verified employment in the Early Childhood Workforce Registry

The Early Childhood Workforce Registry, formerly known as Growing Futures, is the source for training, education, and employment verification.

To meet this indicator, the Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or all Lead Caregivers must:

• Have verified employment in the program's organization account

Indicator Validation

This indicator is verified using the organization's SM.4 Quality Indicator Report.

SM.5 Program staff have current Career Pathway placement

The Early Childhood Workforce Registry, formerly known as Growing Futures, is the source for training, education, and employment verification. 

To meet this indicator, the Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or all Lead Caregivers must: 

• Maintain a current individual membership in the Registry, and
• Have a current Career Pathway placement of Category A or Higher

Indicator Validation

This indicator is verified using the organization's SM.5 Quality Indicator Report.

SM.6 Program staff have professional development in learning environments

The Early Childhood Workforce Registry, formerly known as Growing Futures, is the source for training, education, and employment verification. All training must appear on an individual’s Learning Record as approved clock hours. 

To meet this indicator, the Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or all Lead Caregivers must:

• Complete at least 10 clock hours in Core Competency Area II. Learning Environment and Curriculum

Indicator Validation

This indicator is verified using the organization's SM.6 Quality Indicator Report.

AE.1 Program uses a developmentally appropriate curriculum

The program implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with the North Dakota Early Learning Standards: Birth to Kindergarten. Use the Bright & Early ND Curriculum Alignment Worksheet to determine how your curriculum aligns with the Standards. Bright & Early ND does not require programs to use a specific curriculum. Rather, curricula should be aligned with the Standards and reflect the values and philosophy of the program and the children and families served. Please contact your coach to request a copy of the Bright & Early ND Curriculum Alignment Worksheet.

To meet this indicator, programs must submit:

• Completed and scored Curriculum Alignment Rubric, and
• Is dated within the previous 3 years

To submit your Curriculum Alignment Worksheet for review, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to the ND Early Childhood Hub.
2. In the top right corner of the screen, click the blue box and select your organization.
3. In the Document Vault, click Add Document to upload your completed Curriculum Alignment Worksheet.
4. Send an email to QRIS@nd.gov and request a review.
5. Once your worksheet is reviewed, you will receive your completed rubric within 15 business days.

AE.2 Program uses a developmentally appropriate assessment

This indicator requires programs to utilize GOLD®, a developmentally appropriate observation-based assessment system. GOLD® is an authentic, ongoing, observation-based assessment system that helps early childhood professionals, like you, focus on what matters most for children’s success. Access to GOLD® is provided, at no cost, by Health and Human Services (HHS).

To meet this indicator, programs must submit: 

• Evidence of the program's current GOLD® subscription agreement and receipt of purchase. For programs accessing GOLD® via HHS, no additional evidence is needed. 

AE.3 Program completes GOLD® checkpoints

This indicator requires programs to complete GOLD® checkpoints during the three yearly periods (fall, winter, spring). Programs will demonstrate ongoing assessment of children using GOLD® checkpoints. A checkpoint period is the timeframe where programs will observe, document, and assess children’s development and learning. In order to produce a valid and reliable area level score, each classroom or group must complete, at minimum, 70% of objectives and dimensions in each area.

To meet this indicator, programs must submit evidence that: 

• Reflects the current or previously completed checkpoint period
• Includes all eligible classrooms or groups with, at minimum, 70% of objectives and dimensions in each area completed

AE.4 Program develops a Quality Improvement Plan

Program develops a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that:

• Is guided by GOLD® assessments,
• Includes both short-term and long-term goals,
• Includes action items to support overall quality improvement.

A Quality Improvement Plan is part of the continuous quality improvement process in which programs assess their strengths and opportunities for growth, set achievable goals, and develop realistic plans for improvement.

To meet this indicator, programs must submit:

• QIP that reflects all the components listed above, and
• Is dated within the previous 12 months

AE.5 Program staff have professional development in observation and assessment

RI.1 CLASS observation conducted by an endorsed CLASS Assessor

The Classroom Assessment Scoring System^® (CLASS^®) is a research-based method of measuring, evaluating, and improving teacher-child interactions. 

Programs must have a valid CLASS® observation conducted every 3 years. CLASS® observations will be conducted in every classroom or group with the tool that best reflects the age group in care.

To meet this indicator, programs must submit:

• Observation summary report(s) representing all classrooms or groups served, and
• Dated within the previous 3 years

RI.2 Program develops a Quality Improvement Plan

Program develops a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that:

• Is guided by CLASS® observation summary report(s),
• Includes both short-term and long-term goals,
• Includes action items to support overall quality improvement.

A Quality Improvement Plan is part of the continuous quality improvement process in which programs assess their strengths and opportunities for growth, set achievable goals, and develop realistic plans for improvement.

To meet this indicator, programs must submit:

• QIP that reflects all the components listed above, and
• Is dated within the previous 12 months

RI.3 Program staff have current Career Pathway placement of Category E or higher

The Early Childhood Workforce Registry, formerly known as Growing Futures, is the source for training, education, and employment verification. 

To meet this indicator, the Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or all Lead Caregivers must: 

• Maintain a current individual membership in the Registry, and
• Have a current Career Pathway placement of Category E or Higher

Indicator Validation

This indicator is verified using the organization's RI.3 Quality Indicator Report.

RI.4 Program Director has professional development in business, management, and administration

The Early Childhood Workforce Registry, formerly known as Growing Futures, is the source for training, education, and employment verification. All training must appear on an individual’s Learning Record as approved clock hours. 

To meet this indicator, the Program Director must:

• Have a verified and current Aim4Excellence™ Director Credential.

Indicator Validation

• This indicator is verified using the organization's RI.4 Quality Indicator Report.
• This indicator is N/A for Family Child Care and Group licensed programs.

RI.4a Lead Caregivers have professional development in business, management, and administration

The Early Childhood Workforce Registry, formerly known as Growing Futures, is the source for training, education, and employment verification. All training must appear on an individual’s Learning Record as approved clock hours. 

To meet this indicator, all Lead Caregivers must:

• Complete at least 10 clock hours in Core Competency Area VIII. Program Planning and Evaluation

Indicator Validation

• This indicator is verified using the organization's RI.4a Quality Indicator Report.
• This indicator is N/A for Preschool and Center licensed programs.

RI.5 Program staff have professional development in interactions with children

The Early Childhood Workforce Registry, formerly known as Growing Futures, is the source for training, education, and employment verification. All training must appear on an individual’s Learning Record as approved clock hours.

To meet this indicator, the Program Director, all Lead Teachers and/or all Lead Caregivers must complete one of the following:

• Introduction to the Infant CLASS® (2 clock hours)
• Introduction to the Toddler CLASS® (2 clock hours)
• Introduction to the Pre-K CLASS® (2.5 clock hours)

Indicator Validation

This indicator is verified using the organization's RI.5 Quality Indicator Report.