Bright & Early North Dakota

Press Release

University Children’s Learning Center (UCLC) Goes Above and Beyond for Kids in ND

February 1, 2018; Grand Forks, North Dakota – University Children’s Learning Center (UCLC) is proud to announce that they have achieved the 4^th and final step, from the Bright & Early North Dakota Quality Assurance Rating program. They are the first center in North Dakota to successfully complete all four steps.

Dr. Dawnita Nilles, director of UCLC said their program worked with Bright & Early North Dakota to complete the 4 steps as a way ensure the children enrolled in the UCLC program are provided with high quality early learning experiences, which will set them on the path for success in school, with relationships, and wherever life may take them. “Nearly 90 percent of a child’s brain is developed by the time he or she reaches the age of five! That is why we are committed to them, and committed to the Bright & Early initiative.” She explains that, “UCLC hopes that by being the first in North Dakota to complete all four steps, it will encourage other early care and education providers in North Dakota to complete them as well. Completion of the steps in Bright and Early ND will provide parents a way to quickly ensure the program they choose meets the standards of quality care and early education. We are happy to show our support for this statewide initiative and think this program will do great things for childcare in North Dakota.”

Bright & Early North Dakota promotes high-quality early learning for young children and provides a quality rating that guides families seeking the best program for their child. Programs that join Bright & Early go above and beyond the basic licensing standards for child care and must complete an intensive observation process.

Programs can achieve up to 4 stars as they commit to, improve, and maintain quality. They do this by 1) taking extra steps in health & safety, 2) creating an environment that inspires learning through play, 3) developing activities that encourage language, creativity, science, and other skills, 4) providing nurturing relationships and positive interactions with children.

Families can learning more about University Children’s Learning Center by emailing Gwen Puckett or calling 701.777.3947. They can also search for additional quality rated programs and learn more about Bright & Early North Dakota by vising Bright ND. Bright & Early North Dakota is an initiative of the ND Health and Human Services.