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Registration is open!
Join us at the North Dakota Early Childhood Conference to connect with early childhood professionals in North Dakota. Participants will learn, network and engage in best practices while celebrating early childhood and the professionals who serve our youngest learners across the state.
More information about how you can earn Growing Futures credits and continuing education units (CEUs) by attending the conference will be coming soon.
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Research shows a clear link between high-quality interactions and improved literacy outcomes. When children are in warm, supportive environments where they can take risks, learn new things, and develop strong relationships, their language and literacy skills flourish. It’s not just about reading books — it’s about fostering a love for language, boosting phonological awareness, and strengthening vocabulary.
One way to support these essential interactions is by measuring their effectiveness with research-based observation tools. By focusing on these interactions as part of continuous improvement, early childhood providers can create an environment that nurtures language and literacy development.
Did you know that programs participating in North Dakota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, Bright & Early ND, benefit from onsite observations using research-based tools? In addition to the data received from observations, these programs have the support of a team of professionals who provide valuable feedback and ongoing professional development opportunities.
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The 69th Legislative Session began Tuesday, Jan. 7. Updates throughout the session will be added to the legislative site daily. Visit legis.nd.gov to view the legislative calendar, track bills, view live and recorded sessions, and more.
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Early Childhood Day at the Capitol is an opportunity for early childhood organizations to come together to connect and greet/meet legislators to share the importance of early childhood activities and services in North Dakota.
When: Jan. 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Memorial and Legislative Halls
State Capitol Building
600 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505
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We are excited to announce that the annual Child Care Assistance Market Rate Survey will be launching in the coming months! Once again, we will be partnering with North Dakota State University to conduct this important survey.
This survey plays a critical role in determining provider payment rates for the Child Care Assistance Program. Your participation is vital; more responses mean more accurate and equitable rates for all.
Please keep an eye out for the survey. Thank you in advance for your valuable input.
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Amy Tanner – Early Childhood licensing specialist
Prior to working for the HHS Early Childhood Section, Amy was a kindergarten teacher for 10 years, a paraprofessional for two years, and a child care provider for 12 years.
Amy serves Morton County and some providers in Burleigh County.
What Amy loves most about her current role: “I love seeing providers providing an enriching environment for the children and their care.”
Fun Fact: Amy loves to travel to any tropical location.
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Christyna Bruce – Early Childhood licensing specialist
Before working for the HHS Early Childhood Section, Christyna worked with individuals with disabilities and in various child care settings in various roles including a Head Start bus aide, child care provider and child care director.
Christyna serves Ramsey, Towner, Cavalier, Eddy, Benson, Foster and Wells counties.
What Christyna loves about her current role: “I enjoy traveling and interacting with providers and working with my team!”
Fun Fact: Christyna enjoys family and backyard games.
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Jasmin Schmidt – Early Childhood licensing supervisor
Prior to working for the HHS Early Childhood Section, Jasmin worked as an early learning consultant and coach as well as a quality rating and improvement system assessor.
Jasmin serves the northwest and north-central areas of North Dakota.
What Jasmin loves most about her current role: “I love that I can make a meaningful impact on my team, fostering a parallel process that enables them to create a meaningful impact on the providers we serve, ultimately benefitting the children and families in their care.”
Fun Fact: Jasmin once visited Japan and tried eating a live octopus. It got stuck in her gums and her best friend had to use her tweezers to help her get it out!
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Angela Petron – Early Childhood licensing specialist
Prior to working for the HHS Early Childhood Section, Angela ran a family child care program in her home for eight years, taught pre-kindergarten at a center in Bismarck for three years, and most recently worked as the operations manager at Verge Fitness since 2018.
Angela serves Burleigh County.
What Angela loves about her current role: “I love that every home visit with providers is a unique experience. I enjoy learning about their program and seeing how different every program is. Although each program is different, it’s fun to see that there are many ways to achieve the same goal of providing quality and safe care to children.”
Fun Fact: Angela loves music and gets to share her love of music every week teaching group exercise classes and playing piano at church.
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Health and Human Services is looking for members to fill leadership roles as members of the Early Childhood Services Advisory Board and the North Dakota Early Childhood Council.
The Early Childhood Services Advisory Board is composed of seven members appointed by the HHS Commissioner. The term of office is typically four years, expiring on July 31. This board typically meets in person as needed. We need a member to represent the following license type/location.
- Center-based child care (western ND) - fill a term to July 31, 2025
To be considered, complete the ECS Advisory Board application and submit it to dhsec@nd.gov no later than Monday, March 3.
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Quarterly Provider Snapshot
(As of Dec. 31, 2024)
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Number of Licenses by Provider Type
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Number of Licensed Slots by Provider Type
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