The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of child care as a vital component in North Dakota’s infrastructure.
With that in mind, the North Dakota Department of Human Services, in partnership with Child Care Aware of North Dakota, is launching a child care survey to assess the impact that COVID-19 has had on access and use of child care since March and to help better understand what working families may need going forward.
The survey will provide lawmakers and agency officials with data as they consider issues related to child care and the needs of young families.
All North Dakota families whose household includes children ranging in age from newborn to 12 are encouraged to participate. The survey ends Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.
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Families can access the short 10-minute online survey at www.ndchildcare.org . Families unable to complete the survey online can participate by calling 800-997-8515 and pressing 1 to speak to a Child Care Data and Referral Specialist.
Chris Jones, department executive director, is urging families with young children to participate.
“Access to high quality early childhood services strengthens our communities, our workforce and our families,” he said.
He said agencies are hearing that many families continue to face child care challenges.
The department is responsible for child care licensing, quality and resource and referral. During the pandemic, the state has provided modified operating practices for child care providers licensed or certified by the state to help them operate as safely as possible.
For questions about taking the survey, contact Child Care Aware at survey@ndchildcare.org .
Child Care Aware of North Dakota works with all parts of the child care delivery system in North Dakota.
