Four-Year Old Program Approval

North Dakota Century Code 15.1-09-58 requires a collaborative effort between the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to approve local school districts’ Four-Year Old Programs.

All schools planning to offer a Four-Year Old Program for the 2023-2024 school year need to request Four-Year Old Program approval from HHS no later than June 1st.

In order to initiate the Four-Year Old Program approval process, the interested school district must submit the following items:

• A completed and signed SFN 1304 Four-Year Old Program Approval form,
• A copy of the school board minutes documenting school board approval of the program,
• A copy of the most recent fire marshal’s safety report, and
• A non-refundable fee of $50.

Items must be mailed to:
Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood
600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250

Four-Year Old Programs must be taught by highly qualified teachers who have one of the following:

• B3 License
• Elementary education major and an early childhood endorsement
• Elementary education major and a minor in early childhood education
• Elementary education major and a kindergarten endorsement. A plan of study may be granted for the kindergarten endorsement, allowing a teacher two years to complete the required coursework.
• K-8 license. The K-8 licenses are no longer issued by ESPB. However, those who already have a K-8 license may teach pre-kindergarten.
• K-6 license. The K-6 licenses are no longer issued by ESPB. However, those who already have a K-6 license may teach pre-kindergarten.

Once the Four-Year Old Program Approval form and documentation are reviewed and approved, the school may request a Pre-K grade level configuration with NDDPI. School districts will participate in annual desk audits. MIS03, STARS, and NDTEACH must be updated with your pre-kindergarten information.

Four-Year Old Program Approval is valid for two years. Grade level configuration must be submitted annually to NDDPI.

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