Supports For Child Care Providers

Thinking of opening a child care program? The Child Care Licensing Toolkit is here to support you every step of the way. This comprehensive toolkit is designed to build your knowledge of health and safety requirements, guide you as you create an intentional environment, empower you as a small business owner and promote long-term economic stability in your community. Whether you are just starting out or need a clear path forward, the Child Care Licensing Toolkit equips you with the tools, confidence and resources you need to succeed in licensed child care.

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Are you looking for ways to save time, improve cash flow, better support your staff, and strengthen communication with families? The Shared Services Alliance is here to help. Health and Human Services contracts with Child Care Aware® of North Dakota, a program of Southeast Education Cooperative (SEEC), to provide participating programs with essential business training, access to child care management software, and more.

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The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides federal funds to licensed, nonprofit child care centers to serve nutritious meals and snacks. The goal is to improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of children in care while promoting the development of good eating habits.

Licensed family child care providers, licensed group child care providers, or self-declared child care providers who care for at least one child are eligible to participate with a Family Child Care Home Sponsor.

For-profit child care centers may participate if at least 25 percent of the participants in care are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

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Child Care Assistance Program

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps pay a portion of child care costs for working families, or families participating in education or training programs. Payments are made directly to child care programs.

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Grant funding is available to support child care programs as they start, expand, recover, or improve quality. Eligible programs may apply for funding to support facility improvements, program growth, quality enhancements, and expanded care options while funds are available.

Explore the grant opportunities below to find options that fit your program’s needs and learn how to apply.

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Early Childhood Workforce Incentives support individuals working in early childhood direct care roles. While funding is available, eligible individuals may earn financial incentives for advancing or maintaining their Career Pathway placement, completing training or college coursework, earning early childhood credentials or degrees, or completing CDA verification visits.

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Bright & Early ND is North Dakota's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) designed to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality of early childhood programs. Administered by Health and Human Services, Bright & Early ND serves as a key strategy for quality improvement under North Dakota law (NDCC 50-11.1). Health and Human services contracts with Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP) to provide outreach, assessment, and technical assistance to programs participating in Bright & Early ND.

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Health and Human Services contracts with USpireND to help child care providers access the resources they need to support inclusive practices for all children. Meeting the diverse needs of children while managing daily responsibilities can feel overwhelming. That’s why experienced Inclusion Coaches are available to guide you with compassion and expertise. They help you feel supported and confident in creating early childhood environments where every child can thrive.

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The Pyramid Model is a clear, step-by-step approach that helps you create a safe caring and consistent child care environment. It builds on children's skills, helps prevent problem behaviors, and prepares children for lifelong success. 

Cohorts are open to programs serving children ages 2-5 that demonstrate a one-year commitment, are actively engaged with USpireND services, and have a Bright & Early ND Quality Rating of Step 2, 3 or 4. Programs will be selected based on their application and other factors, including a willingness to complete module trainings and participate in regular coaching and action planning. 

Selected programs will receive training, resources, materials, and funding to support implementation.

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