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 HHS hosts North Dakota Early Childhood Conference
More than 600 early childhood professionals gathered at Health and Human Services' (HHS) first-ever North Dakota Early Childhood Conference to network and explore early childhood best practices. The event consisted of several breakout sessions and engaging keynote speeches that provided attendees with tools and knowledge to help shape the environment, experiences and interactions of North Dakota’s young children.
Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden (above photo, center) joined Early Childhood team members and the conference planning committee consisting of representatives from North Dakota Child Care Professionals Inc., Child Care Aware of North Dakota, Mandan Little Learners and Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership for a photo on the conference’s opening day.
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Help us ensure that child care remains accessible to families across North Dakota and that Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) payments accurately reflect the true cost of providing care.
HHS has partnered with North Dakota State University’s (NDSU) Center for Social Research and Child Care Aware of ND to conduct the annual Market Rate Survey. This survey collects essential information from child care providers across the state.
Why it matters
Your responses directly impact CCAP payment rates. Last year’s survey results led to increased rates, all providers.
What to expect
The survey takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and includes questions about your business operations such as enrollment, vacancies, fees, hours and expenses. Your input helps identify the actual cost of care.
Your information is confidential
All data will be combined with responses from other providers. No individual responses will be shared. A confidentiality agreement with NDSU is available upon request.
How to participate
You can complete the survey in one of two ways:
- Online, using a personalized link emailed to you from the NDSU Center for Social Research
- By mail, using the printed survey sent to your address
Survey emails were sent the week of March 17, 2025. Be sure to check your inbox and look in your spam or junk folder if you do not see it. For assistance or to request a replacement survey be sent to you please contact the NDSU Center for Social Research at (701) 231-8621 or avram.slone@ndsu.edu.
Please complete the survey by May 18, 2025, to ensure your response is counted.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting accessible, high-quality child care in North Dakota.
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As we gear up for the summer season, we want to ensure that all families who need full-time care in the summer are well-prepared for that change. Families requiring full-time care during the summer should reach out to our Customer Support Center before the end of the school year to ensure there are no delays for child care assistance with the change from part-time care to full-time care. If children are already approved for full-time care, no further action is needed from the family.
Families can request this change through their Self-Service Portal.
Families can also contact the Customer Support Center through email or phone.
Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
(701) 328-1000; 711 (TTY)
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Mariah Dodds – grant manager
Prior to working for the HHS Early Childhood team, Mariah taught preschool for eight years and was a child care center director for 12 years. Mariah also worked for Child Care Aware® of North Dakota as a coach prior to joining the HHS Early Childhood Section.
What Mariah loves most about her current role: “I love building relationships with providers as I guide them through the child care program grants and workforce incentive applications. Every day brings something new, which keeps my work enjoyable and helps me continue to learn and grow in my role.”
Fun fact: Mariah loves decorating for Christmas so much that she keeps a tree in her office all year long — and it gets a festive makeover for every holiday. It's her way of adding a little creativity and holiday cheer to the workspace!
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Krystle Wallace – grant administrative assistant
Krystle began her career in customer service, where she learned how to effectively address the needs of diverse clients. Additionally, Krystle owned and operated an in-home child care business. Following this, she worked as an administrative assistant at the local Community Action office, with a primary focus on assisting clients with Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program applications. Upon relocating to Fargo, Krystle transitioned into the role of administrative assistant with the Growing Futures Workforce Registry at Lutheran Social Services prior to her current position at Early Childhood.
What Krystle loves most about her current role: “What I enjoy most about my current role is the opportunity to provide meaningful assistance, share valuable resources, and solve challenges. Whether I’m supporting my colleagues or collaborating with child care providers, parents, and employers, I find great fulfillment in helping others navigate their unique needs and achieving effective solutions.”
Fun fact: Krystle is not exactly the “outdoorsy, get dirty type,” she’s discovered a passion for houseplants and propagating succulents. Krystle finds it incredibly rewarding to nurture them and watch them thrive. It has become a relaxing and fulfilling hobby that brings Krystle joy.
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Teri Sowka – grant support specialist
Teri was an accounting advisor for a global tech company before joining the Early Childhood team. She worked in the general ledger department where she was involved in the accounts payable process and cash management. Teri then moved to the general ledger payroll team where she managed 12 different countries globally.
What Teri loves most about her current role: “I enjoy helping child care providers work through the grant process and receive funding to improve their child care programs. It's so rewarding and exciting to see how these grants are improving both the facilities and the quality of child care throughout North Dakota."
Fun fact: Teri has an orange tree growing in her house. Her family loves to play sports and explore the outdoors.
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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.
- Group child care (western ND) – term Aug. 1, 2025 to July 30, 2029.
To be considered, complete the Early Childhood Service Advisory Board application and submit it to dhsec@nd.gov no later than Friday, June 6.
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Quarterly Provider Snapshot
(As of Mar. 28, 2025)
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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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