North Dakota doesn’t provide statewide funding for prekindergarten. But while we’re working with our partners at the North Dakota Department of Human Services to garner support for this and similar programs through state legislative leaders, our children need high-quality learning environments now.

We cannot simply say we’re going to set aside learning for six months or 18 months — or even two to three years, if the pandemic endures for that long. Even with Covid-19 cases spiking around the state and country, we just can’t say, “We’ll get back to that.” Our 4-year-olds are only four once.

I believe the funding to support early childhood services belongs with our human services division. My perspective for North Dakota is that in this situation, the schools needs to be the Robin in this Batman and Robin duo. Our role at the Department of Public Instruction is to provide information, assistance and policy guidance to make sure that when our 5-year-olds come to us in kindergarten, they’re happy, healthy, well-adjusted and have been enjoying environments that are rich in learning.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure kindergarten readiness in North Dakota will be with a statewide commitment to quality early childhood learning environments and experiences. Until then — and during the pandemic — we’re working hard to support young children as well as we can.

One of the ways that we have encouraged early childhood learning is through our collaboration with the nonprofit Waterford.org. The Waterford Upstart program offers online and offline lessons in literacy and social skills, as well as a laptop and internet connection at no cost to families if needed. What makes the Waterford Upstart program so effective in balancing public health, learning and our communities is that it provides tips on academic and social-emotional support to our families, in their homes, as they choose.

Read the full article about Kindergarten readiness amid the pandemic by Kirsten Baesler at The Hechinger Report.