Early Childhood News

Beginning Sept. 21, a North Dakota Login (NDLogin) account will be required to access the ND Early Childhood Hub (hub). This transition will provide a more streamlined and secure sign-in experience while allowing users to access various North Dakota online services with a single account. 

Get to know the Early Childhood Licensing team.  This team is responsible for regulating and monitoring early childhood programs to ensure they meet state health and safety standards and provide quality care for the families in North Dakota.

As an early childhood provider, you make a difference every day. The new Professional Development Plan feature is here to support your goals, growth and future.

Beginning August 1, 2026, we are expanding Bright & Early ND, North Dakota's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), to better support early childhood programs at every stage of their quality journey.

Starting in July 2026, early childhood professionals will have a new way to showcase their learning and professional growth. A new series of digital badges aligned with the Child Development Associate® (CDA®) national credentialing program will be available in the ND Early Childhood Hub.

The final report from the Legislative Management Study of Child Care Provider Licensing is now available. Learn more about the study and recommendations for childcare licensing in North Dakota.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will open applications June 1 for two early childhood grant opportunities: the Inclusive Care Support Grant and the Non-Traditional Hour Grant. These grants will help providers expand inclusive care for children with disabilities or developmental delays and increase early childhood program options for families needing evening, overnight or weekend care.

Early childhood incentives applications are now open!

The North Dakota Best in Class program is designed to support high-quality learning experiences for children in the year before they enter kindergarten. We are pleased to announce the 2026-2027 ND Best in Class recipients.