Early Learning Standards: Birth to Kindergarten

The early childhood years, from birth until children begin kindergarten, are a special and important time for growth and learning. During these years, children learn and change quickly in many different ways. Because development happens so fast, it helps when families and early childhood professionals share a common understanding of what young children are learning and able to do.

The North Dakota Early Learning Standards: Birth to Kindergarten (Standards) describe the skills, behaviors, and knowledge that families and caregivers can nurture in all children. These standards are aligned with kindergarten education standards to support a smooth transition to school. They also serve as a helpful tool for early childhood professionals to plan curriculum, guide teaching practices, conduct assessments, and plan professional development activities.

The standards are under review to ensure they remain relevant, research-based and inclusive of all children in North Dakota. The revised standards will be fully implemented in Fall 2026.