How to Plan Your Annual Training Hours in North Dakota After SB 2107 - post

This short guide helps child care leaders plan yearly #training so your program stays in good standing after #SB2107. It’s for #NorthDakota #providers who need to meet annual training hours, without last-minute stress. Use this plan to track hours, pick approved topics, and keep your paperwork organized.

What changed with SB 2107 and why does it matter?

SB 2107 clarified staff training rules and emphasized workforce supports. The state index shows SB 2107 under early childhood staff training; that helps the ND Department of Human Services update licensure and training tracking.

Why it matters:

🔵 It affects how many hours people must take each year, especially directors and full-time staff.

🟢 It highlights approved topics and how training is reported to the Growing Futures Registry (the ND registry).

🔴 It encourages programs to use approved sponsors and track credits correctly so staff get registry credit.

Where to learn more: ChildCareEd lists North Dakota-approved courses and how to upload registry IDs. Read our North Dakota training guide at Training Requirements for Child Care Providers in North Dakota and use the Growing Futures guidance on career pathways at North Dakota Growing Futures Career Pathways.

How many hours do I need and what counts after SB 2107?

The required hours depend on your license type and job. Use these quick steps to find your number:

📘 Check your license type: self-declared, family, group, or center.

📗 Check weekly hours if you are a staff member (more hours worked can mean more required training).

📙 Confirm director or supervisor totals (they often need more hours).

Typical North Dakota examples :

Self-declared provider: 3 hours/year

Family license: 9 hours/year

Group license: staff and supervisor hours vary (staff can range from 2 to 8 hours; supervisors about 10)

Center/preschool/school-age: staff can range from 7 to 13 hours; directors often 13 hours

What counts:

✅ Approved professional development on the ND registry or approved sponsors (ChildCareEd is an approved sponsor).

✅ Department-required trainings (safe sleep, mandated reporter, CPR/First Aid have special rules).

❌ Note: Some required items (like preservice or mandated reporter training) must come from state-approved sources. See How Many Training Hours for more.

How do I build a simple yearly training plan that meets requirements?

Follow this 5-step plan. Use short entries in a planner or spreadsheet so your team can see progress.

📝 Step 1: Write your deadline and hours due. Example: director needs 13 hours by licensing review date.

📅 Step 2: Break the year into quarters (Q1–Q4). Plan to earn at least 25% of hours each quarter.

🎯 Step 3: Pick topics that match state priorities (health & safety, child development, inclusion). ChildCareEd courses are labeled for ND: ChildCareEd training.

📂 Step 4: Use a single tracking folder. Keep certificates and add Registry ID to your ChildCareEd account so credit uploads automatically — see instructions at Growing Futures guidance.

✅ Step 5: Review mid-year and adjust. If someone leaves, move hours to another staff member or complete makeup training.

Tip: Consider longer packages if you need many hours (director 45-hour admin course at 45-hour Director Administration).

How can I avoid common mistakes and track hours with confidence?

🔔 Mistake: Waiting until the last month. Fix: Schedule one course per quarter now.

📄 Mistake: Losing certificates. Fix: Keep a digital folder and a printed copy in a staff file.

⚠️ Mistake: Taking duplicate courses within 3 years (ND limits duplication). Fix: Check course titles before you enroll; keep a history list.

🧾 Mistake: Assuming all CPR/First Aid count. Fix: CPR/First Aid often requires hands-on testing and may not count toward annual hours — confirm with ND guidance.

Practical tracking checklist (easy to share with staff):

📌 Add staff name, job title, license type, registry ID.

📌 List required hours and due date.

📌 Log each completed course with date, hours, and link to certificate.

📌 Weekly or monthly: upload or verify registry credits (ChildCareEd uploads weekly when you add your Growing Futures ID; see Growing Futures information).

Quick FAQ:

Q: Can online courses count?

A: Yes if they are state-approved and any hands-on skills (like CPR) are completed in person when required.

Q: Who checks my records?

A: Licensing specialists review training during licensing year checks.

Q: Where to find approved courses?

A: Use the ND registry and approved sponsors like ChildCareEd: ChildCareEd.

Conclusion

1. Start now: Pick a course, add it to your calendar, and upload certificates as you finish. A simple quarterly plan keeps stress low and ensures your program meets ND rules after SB 2107.

2. Helpful links in one place:

• ND Training Overview (ChildCareEd)
• How Many Training Hours (ChildCareEd)
• 45-hour Director Course (ChildCareEd)

Follow us for more tips and quick planning tools (examples and free resources). Follow ChildCareEd  for more tips on Facebook. For a topic post on ND training, see our article: Training Requirements for Child Care Providers in North Dakota.