The Quality Unit, housed within the Early Childhood Section of Health and Human Services, leads statewide efforts to improve the quality of early childhood experiences. Our work is supported by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and guided by the priorities outlined in North Dakota's CCDF State Plan.
Our Areas of Focus
Early Learning Standards
We lead the review, revision, and continuous improvement of North Dakota's Early Learning Standards: Birth to Kindergarten. This work ensures the standards remain current, reflect best practices, and effectively guide early childhood professionals in supporting children’s growth and development.
Quality Improvement Activities
We oversee the implementation of Bright & Early ND, North Dakota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). This statewide framework is designed to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early childhood programs across the state.
Technical Assistance Support
We collaborate with contracted partners who provide technical assistance to early childhood professionals. We establish clear standards and competencies for technical assistance, develop feedback loops to support continuous improvement, and work to broaden access to professional development. These efforts ensure technical assistance providers are well-equipped to support the professionals they serve.
Monitoring Progress and Impact
We monitor progress through data collection, performance tracking, and stakeholder feedback. We assess participation in Bright & Early ND, measure improvements in program quality, and evaluate how early childhood professionals engage with technical assistance. These insights help guide decision-making, ensure accountability, and drive ongoing quality improvement efforts.
Partnerships and Collaboration
We work closely with other state agencies, early childhood professionals, contracted partners, and community stakeholders. These partnerships are essential to delivering aligned, effective services and driving systemic improvement across North Dakota’s early childhood system.
Why This Work Matters
During the first five years of a child's life, their brain develops faster than at any other time. The experiences they have during this period shape their future, making high-quality early childhood experiences so important. Children who have access to these experiences perform better in school, make healthier choices, are more likely to graduate, and find employment.
When we invest in high-quality early childhood experiences, we're investing in the future of North Dakota’s children, families, and communities.
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