Early Childhood and School-Age Care Policy Notes

A Childcare Crisis Press Conference was held on Friday, February 3, 2023 by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley, along with other leaders in the Childcare network including YMCA of Cass & Clay Counties, South East Education Cooperative, North Dakota Afterschool Network, and North Dakota Childcare Action Alliance to draw attention to: efforts made to improve the system; limitations in employing applicants (fingerprint verification delays, probation and barrier crimes); Recent initiatives (online licensing portal, training stipends); and communication (new licensing requirements, new immunization document requirements, consistent interpretation of regulations). Panelists shared the difficulties in waiting for increased efficiencies, legislation to pass, implementing administrative rules, and not being able to serve children and families as a result. See: Boys and Girls Club CEO: "We're here to beg for improvements" at North Dakota Health and Human Services.

If you become aware of additional issues impacting the field or if you have any questions, please contact ND Afterschool Network or Child Care Aware of ND.

Afterschool Day on the Hill - Join Us!

Join us for Afterschool Day on the Hill on February 22! We invite any out-of-school time program working with youth ages PreK through Grade 12 to register to attend and showcase to legislators and state agency representatives the ways you are positively impacting North Dakota's youth, families, and communities. Not only is this a great way to advocate for school-age youth, but also to involve youth in the legislative process! Travel reimbursement is available.

What We're Watching

SB 2012: A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of various divisions of the department of health and human services; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a report.

Committee Work Scheduled 2/6 at 2:00pm & 2/8 at 2:00pm with Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

HB 1521: Relating to alternative curriculum outside of a classroom.

Hearing Scheduled 2/7 at 9:30am Submit Testimony

SB 2182: Relating to the definition of early childhood services.

Hearing Scheduled 2/8 at 9:45am Submit Testimony

HB 1298: Relating to proof of liability insurance for early childhood programs; and to provide an effective date.

Last Official Action: Failed passage in House on 2/2/23with 33 Yeas, 60 Nays

Child Care Aware of ND submitted informational testimony for this bill.

SB 2238: Relating to criminal history checks for early childhood services providers; and to provide for a legislative management study.

Last Official Action: Hearing held 1/30; reported back amended, do pass recommendation

SB 2237: Relating to child care income tax credits; and to provide an effective date.

Last Official Action: Hearing held 1/25 with Finance and Taxation Committee. Watch Video

SB 2323: A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of health and human services for early childhood programs.

Last Official Action: Hearing held 1/25 with Human Services Committee. Reported back amended, received do pass from committee. Watch Video

ND Afterschool Network submitted informational testimony in support of including a school-age pathway in Bright and Early and incentivizing engaging in continuous quality improvement for school-age programs. (quality rating for afterschool programs was removed from language as of 2/3)

SB 2301: Relating to the establishment of a child care stabilization program.

Last Official Action: Hearing held 1/25 in Workforce Development Committee Watch Video

SB 2190: Relating to the child care assistance program; and to provide a statement of legislative intent.

Last Official Action: Hearing held 1/18 with Senate Human Services. Rereferred to Appropriations Watch Video

HB 1144: Relating to required training for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect for public and nonpublic school teachers, administrators, and counselors, and early childhood services providers.

Last Official Action: 1/30 Second reading in House, passed (yeas 78, nays 16) Watch Video

SB 2084: Relating to child care assistance payments to providers.

Last Official Action: 1/13 Second reading in Senate, passed (yeas 46 nays 0); 1/16 House received from Senate. Watch Video

SB 2104: Relating to early childhood services, resource and referral services, workforce development, early childhood inclusion support program, best in class program, and disclosure of child abuse and neglect confirmed decisions involving early childhood services.

Last Official Action: 1/13 Second reading in Senate, passed (yeas 45 nays 1); 1/16 House received from Senate. Watch Video

North Dakota Legislative Solutions

North Dakota State Agency Recommendations

Committee & Floor Schedule: February 3 - February 11

Committee Hearing Schedule

House Floor Calendar

Senate Floor Calendar

Your Voice Matters

Visit our Policy Page to find:

Advocacy Toolkit with tips, templates, and tools to help you tell your story
North Dakota Legislative Solutions
ND State Agency Recommendations
Advocacy Training Video, with overview of needs, solutions, and ways to be involved
Comprehensive analysis of current needs
Afterschool Day on the Hill Registration - February 22, 2023

Legislative Calendar

~~January 3 Session Begins~~
~~January 18 Deadline for Representatives to introduce bills~~
~~January 23 Deadline for Senators to introduce bills~~
February 24 Crossover date for bills
February 27/28 Recess
April 28 Session limited to 80 legislative days

https://ndafterschoolnetwork.com/afterschool-policy/

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