North Dakota's Quality Rating and Improvement System, Bright & Early ND, provides a mechanism for early childhood programs to demonstrate their commitment to high-quality early childhood experiences. The Bright & Early ND Quality Rating process is a journey not a destination. The stages in the Quality Rating process are intentionally designed to celebrate programs for where they are; and provide the path they need to meet more rigorous and comprehensive standards. Bright & Early ND recognizes programs at all stages in their journey.
Apply for a Bright & Early ND Cohort
The Bright & Early ND Quality Rating process for Steps 2-4 is implemented on three cycles per year, referred to as cohorts. Early childhood programs interested in renewing their current Bright & Early ND Quality Rating or pursuing the next step must submit an application through their Growing Futures organization profile. See below for specific cohort dates and deadlines.
Applications Due: December 15th
Cohort Begins: January 1st
Cohort Ends: September 30th
Tip Sheet: How to Apply for Bright & Early ND
Applications Due: April 15th
Cohort Begins: May 1st
Cohort Ends: January 31st
Tip Sheet: How to Apply for Bright & Early ND
Applications Due: August 15th
Cohort Begins: September 1st
Cohort Ends: May 31st
Tip Sheet: How to Apply for Bright & Early ND
Access Bright & Early ND Benefits
Bright & Early ND has made it a priority to offer support and resources that promote participation and advancement through the Bright & Early ND Steps to Quality. Once your application has been approved, you will be connected with assorted Bright & Early ND benefits.
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps pay a portion of the cost of child care for working families, or families in training or education programs. These payments are made to child care programs.
Child care programs participating in Bright & Early ND with a Step 2, Step 3, or Step 4 Quality Rating are eligible to receive an additional payment per CCAP child.
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. Relationship Based Professional Development (RBPD) Specialists are provided free of charge to help programs of all types, big or small, to set goals and create plans for improvement.
Learn more about the different types of RBPD Specialists below.
- A Quality Coach is a professional who provides 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!
- An Assessor is a professional who conducts 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.
Quality Improvement Grants are available to early childhood programs licensed or approved by Health and Human Services (HHS) to support investments in quality. This grant is available on an annual basis and measured by the program’s ability to attain and maintain a Step 2, Step 3, or Step 4 Quality Rating. This grant may be used to purchase materials and supplies that will enhance the learning environment, to offset costs of curriculum and assessment use, and to support professional development opportunities for program staff.
|
License Type |
License Capacity |
Step 2 Amount |
Step 3 Amount |
Step 4 Amount |
|
FAMILY/GROUP F, G, H |
Up to 30 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
|
CENTER C, E, M |
Up to 30 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
|
CENTER C, E, M |
31-60 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
|
CENTER C, E, M |
61-90 | $3,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 |
|
CENTER C, E, M |
91+ | $4,000 | $8,000 | $12,000 |
Access a variety of professional development and networking opportunities. Training opportunities are available at little to no cost.
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