Public Policy
What is the state of pre-k in North Dakota?
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North Dakota does not put any state level dollars into Head Start or a state prekindergarten program. Click here to compare our status to that of other states.
We are one of only eleven states with no availability to state-funded prekindergarten opportunities. To see the national picture, click here. |
Help us make North Dakota's youngest children a priority:
- Come to a Success By 6 meeting. We meet at 3:30 on the third Wednesday of every month at the Dickinson Head Start/Early Childhood Center.
- Unable to attend the meetings? We can keep you updated. Sign up for our list serve by contacting us at ndsb6@hotmail.com.
- Become an advocate! Tell others about the importance of early childhood care and education. Contact legislators. Visit Prek Now for more ideas!
- Question the political candidates who campaign at your door! Ask them about the following:
What is your position on early care and education? How will you ensure all children have access to quality early care and education?
What will you do to ensure our kids are safe and secure after school?
Local Political News
In January 2006, Governor Hoeven created the North Dakota Commission on Education Improvement to examine the current system of education.
The North Dakota Department of Health received a grant to coordinate community efforts to ensure children are healthy and ready to enter school. To carry out the requirements of the grant, the Healthy North Dakota Early Childhood Alliance was established and has since developed a plan to address various issues in early care and education in our state.
State Funding Proposed for Prekindergarten and Child Care
Governor Hoeven's recently released Budget Proposal has included state aid for preschools and child care. Approximately $10 million will be earmarked for state funded prekindergarten and another $3.5 million for grants to build or expand child care centers. According to Governor Hoeven, any North Dakota organization must contribute at least 25 percent of the grant amount to obtain child care funding. These funds could be used to expand existing child care centers or start new centers. Another $1.5 million will be set aside to pay for mandatory background checks for child care providers.
The North Dakota Commission on Education Improvement appointed by Governor Hoeven in 2006 has been assigned the duty of drafting two prekindergarten plans for the Governor and legislative assembly. One proposal would out focus on $2 million pilot prekindergarten programs and the second proposal would outline a state supported prekindergarten program. The Commission on Education Improvement will meet again November 6, 2008 to consider both proposals.
In the News
Recent Article in Prairie Business
"Early childhood development is one of the most important community investments — if not the most important investment — that can be made." (Prairie Business magazine reaches ND, SD, and western MN and is published by the Grand Forks Herald.)
Links
PreK Now
Provides information about the movement to provide high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten programs for all three and four year olds in the United States.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Features Publications and Papers regarding the economic benefits of Early Childhood Development.
Education Commission of the States - Prekindergarten
Examines options for pre-kindergarten programs. Provides information about current research on the importance of pre-kindergarten and describes state efforts to offer early care and educational opportunities for young children.
Zero to Three
The public policy section of this website attempts to bring awareness to the needs of infants and toddlers.
National Institute For Early Education Research
Learn about some of the research that has helped drive public policy.
National Center for Children and Poverty - State Profiles
Summarizes current state policies as they relate to young children's health, education, and families.
Can't find what you are looking for? Have a question? Email us at ndsb6@hotmail.com.
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