The Child Development Bureau contracts with several agencies to provide resource and referral services for child care in their communities.  Parents  use these agencies to obtain lists of child care providers who ask to have their names made available to families seeking child care.  All types of child care for all ages of children are represented including accredited licensed child care, licensed center based care, licensed family homes and license-exempt family homes.  

Resources and Referrals

The Resource and Referral Agencies work closely with families to help them make informed decisions about choosing the right child care provider. 

Subsidized Child Care

DHHS provides subsidized child care for parents making the transition from financial assistance to employment and training opportunities and for those at risk of needing financial assistance.  Parents may apply for a payment to subsidize the cost of child care so long as the child care is needed to look for work, remain employed or participate in training.  Parents may also receive help in locating child care providers.

There are 12 DHHS District Offices throughout NH that assist families with eligibility and enrollment for the child care employment scholarship program. 

Protective and Prevention Services

Families may also be eligible for child care services through involvement with child protective services.  In cases of abuse or neglect, case plans may use child care placement to safeguard young children while providing support services to a family.  Child care is also used as a preventive service when a family is identified as at risk and concerns regarding the potential for abuse or neglect are indicated.