Growing Futures North Dakota - post

If you hear someone say “Growing Futures,” they are usually talking about North Dakota’s early childhood training registry.

Today, the official name is the North Dakota Early Childhood Workforce Registry. It was previously known as Growing Futures. It is free and voluntary, and it helps early childhood professionals track training, verify education, and keep a strong professional record.

North Dakota also shared that the Registry is now accessed through the ND Early Childhood Hub, and the old Growing Futures webpage is no longer available.

Why should child care educators use the North Dakota Workforce Registry?

The Registry helps you keep your training in one place. That makes your work life easier—especially when you need to show training hours for licensing or your job.

Here are a few reasons people like it:

• Track your training hours in one record

• Find approved training that counts in North Dakota

• Run reports of your annual training

• Show proof of learning when needed

ChildCareEd explains that a registry account can help you register for approved training, receive clock hours, and access a yearly training report you can share with your licensing specialist.

This is a smart move if you want to grow in your career. #EarlyChildhoodEducation

How does the Registry help make sure training is high quality?

North Dakota Health & Human Services shares that the Registry does more than just store your hours. It also helps keep training quality high.

The Registry:

• Reviews and approves training sponsors

• Reviews and approves trainers

• Reviews and approves training events to make sure they meet standards

That means when you choose Registry-approved training, you can feel more confident it will count and meet state expectations. #NDChildCare

How do you create an account and start using the ND Early Childhood Hub?

Most people start by setting up access through the ND Early Childhood Hub. North Dakota says the Hub is where you can access the Registry and other professional development tools.

Here’s a simple checklist:

• Go to the Hub and create your account (or log in)

• Find the Early Childhood Workforce Registry inside the Hub

• Complete your Registry profile

• Start adding training (or taking approved courses)

Tip: If you already had a Registry account before, North Dakota says you can use your existing login info to access it through the Hub.

How do you find trainings that count in North Dakota?

Use the North Dakota Early Childhood Training Calendar.

North Dakota explains that the training calendar on the Hub lists approved training opportunities that can count toward licensing requirements and professional development. It is updated often as new events are added.

When you search the calendar, look for training that matches your role and goals.

You may also notice training levels, like:

• Level 1: Basic Licensing (quick basics)

• Level 2: Professional Training (more in-depth, may include tests or assignments)

• Level 3: For-Credit (college courses that are added to your record later)

How does ChildCareEd work with the Registry?

If you take ChildCareEd training, you may be able to get credit in your Registry record (when courses are approved and your info is correct).

ChildCareEd shares an important step: add your Registry ID number to your ChildCareEd account. Then, attendance/completion data can be uploaded to the Registry on a regular schedule, and it may take a few business days for your course to show up in your Registry record.

You can also read this helpful ChildCareEd article for a simple overview:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/childcareed-and-the-growing-futures-registry.html

Which ChildCareEd courses are helpful for North Dakota professionals working on Registry hours?

If you are looking for strong training topics that support health, safety, and professional responsibility (often required and always important), these ChildCareEd courses are great choices:

• Safe Sleep Training: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-safe-sleep-training.html

• Mandated Reporters: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-mandated-reporters.html

• Health & Safety Requirements for Childcare Providers: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-health-safety-requirements-for-childcare-providers.html

These topics matter because they help protect children and support quality care in every setting—centers, homes, and school-age programs. #ChildCareTraining

What does safe sleep have to do with professional growth?

Safe sleep training is a big deal in infant and toddler care. It protects babies, supports families, and shows you take safety seriously.

ChildCareEd also offers this must-read resource:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00268-updated-recs-for-safe-sleep-infant-toddler-safety.html

It highlights updated safe sleep guidance, including simple steps like:

• Put babies on their backs for sleep

• Use a firm, flat sleep surface

• Keep the sleep area free of soft bedding and loose items

You can use this resource to:

• Review your classroom sleep setup

• Train new staff

• Share clear safety messages with families

What are simple “next steps” to grow your career using the Registry?

If you want to move forward (without feeling overwhelmed), try this easy plan:

• Step 1: Log into the ND Early Childhood Hub

• Step 2: Update your Registry profile

• Step 3: Choose one training goal for this month

  • Example: safe sleep, supervision, guidance, or reporting concerns

• Step 4: Take training that fits your goal

• Step 5: Check your Registry record and save your report

Small steps really add up over time. And when your training is tracked, it’s easier to show your progress.

Where can you get ongoing tips and support from ChildCareEd?

Want quick ideas, reminders, and helpful training posts?

Follow ChildCareEd on Facebook and stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/childcareed/