Information For Families

The first five years of your child’s life set the foundation for all future learning. These resources provide tips to make sure you’re providing the support needed to help children as they learn and grow. Vroom provides science-based tips and tools to inspire families to turn shared, everyday moments into Brain Building Moments®.

Bright & Early ND is North Dakota’s system for assessing and improving the quality of early childhood programs. We help families identify programs that give children a strong start for school and life.

All licensed and self-declared child care providers must follow Early Childhood Services rules and laws. They also receive annual visits to make sure they meet those standards.

Milestones matter! How your child plays, learns, talks, acts, and moves shows how they are growing. Developmental milestones are skills most children can do by a certain age.

You can use the CDC's developmental checklists to keep track of your child’s milestones. Talk with your child’s doctor at every checkup about what your child has learned and what’s coming next.

(Source: CDC's Developmental Milestones)

Right Track is a free program for children from birth through 2 years. It’s open to all families in North Dakota, not just children with delays.

Right Track consultants can visit your home to:

• Check your child’s development
• Give tips to support learning and growth
• Provide information and connect you to helpful local, state, and national resources

Early Childhood Special Education helps children ages 3 to 5 who may need extra support with learning or development. If your child qualifies, a team will work closely with you to set goals and provide services that meet your child’s needs. Contact your local school district to learn more and get started.

Early intervention services help babies and young children (birth to age three) who may have delays in learning or development. Getting help early can make a big difference.

Assessments are free for families. If your child qualifies, a specialists will work with you to make a plan to meet your child’s needs. The plan may include home visits, guidance, and coaching for parents.

North Dakota’s Early Learning Standards: Birth to Kindergarten show how children grow and learn in these areas:

• Playing and learning
• Social and emotional skills
• Talking, listening, and reading
• Math and science thinking
• Understanding people and communities
• Art and creativity
• Moving and using their bodies

The standards show what children usually learn at different ages and help teachers plan activities that support each child’s growth.

Head Start and Early Head Start are programs for children from birth to age five, expectant moms, and their families. They help children, especially those from low-income families or with disabilities, learn social skills and get ready for school.

Minimum Requirements

Children in early childhood programs, Head Start, or preschool need to be up-to-date on their vaccines. 

Immunization Record

You can provide a record from your child’s doctor or have a medical professional complete and sign the Certificate of Immunization SFN 16038.

Exemption

You can request an exemption by completing the Statement of Exemption on the Certificate of Immunization SFN 16038.

Children may be exempt for:

• Medical reasons
• History of disease
• Personal or religious beliefs

Grace Period
Children must be up-to-date on vaccines or have an exemption within 30 days of enrollment. Otherwise, they cannot attend the program. (Citation: NDAC 33-06-05)

Additional child care immunization and infectious disease resources

If you’re a parent looking for mental health help for yourself or your child, this tool can guide you. The Mental Health Program Directory lets people in North Dakota find services that fit their needs. You can:

• Search by location and other details
• See program information, like name, address, and phone number

Find a Mental Health Program Near You

Waterford Upstart is an interactive learning program that helps children in PreK-2nd grade build strong skills in reading, math, and science. With activities that adapt to your child’s skill level, children learn at just the right pace, with fun songs, stories, and games that make learning exciting.