Child Development & Head Start Collaboration
Information and resources from the Child Development & Head Start Collaboration, partnering with families/caregivers to ensure all NH children have access to high quality early childhood and out-of-school-time programs that foster their healthy growth and development.
Read the new DHHS Child Care Strengthening Plan (June 30, 2022)
NH Connections
Visit the Bureau’s Consumer Education Website, NH Connections, for more information on the programs, activities and initiatives of the Bureau along with partners, collaborators and contractors across the state.
Child Care & Development Fund
The Bureau administers federal funds & state general funds for child care. The federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), along with the required state match, provide funding for the NH Child Care Scholarship Program (NH CCSP), Mental Health/Substance Misuse, and for many quality initiatives.
Information for Families
- NH Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP)
The NH CCSP provides funds for eligible families with children up to age 13 years (through 17 years for children with disabilities). - Finding Child Care
Child Care Aware of NH provides families with child care resources and helps families find child care. - Head Start Collaboration Office
The New Hampshire Head Start Collaboration Office (NH HSCO) is located in the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Economic and Housing Stability, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration (BCDHSC). The purpose of the NH HSCO is to foster collaboration and teamwork between Head Start and state and local partners, strengthen and align early childhood systems, and improve access to comprehensive services for income-eligible families of young children. - Head Start Programs
Learn more about Head Start and find Head Start programs in New Hampshire. - Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS)
The Bureau administers the NH child care Quality Recognition and Improvement System. Please visit the website for more information on NH’s current system. - Early Childhood and School Age Resources for Families
Information for Child Care Providers
- NH Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP)
The NH CCSP provides funds for eligible families with children up to age 13 years (through 17 years for children with disabilities). For more information about enrolling to become a NH CCSP provider, please visit the website. - Early Childhood and School Age Provider Credentialing
The Bureau administers the voluntary Early Childhood & Afterschool Professional Development Systems through which credentials are awarded to child care professionals who meet or exceed the criteria set in the child care licensing regulations. - Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS)
The Bureau administers the NH child care Quality Recognition and Improvement System. Please visit the website for more information on NH’s current system. - NH Connections Information System
The Bureau, along with the NH Child Care Licensing Unit, administers the NH Connections Information System (NHCIS). Providers may login to the System to create a Registry account, apply for credentials, find professional development opportunities, directors may update their program’s profile, and more. - Child Care Workforce
Explore the many opportunities in early childhood and school age programs across the state. - Professional Development for Early Childhood Providers
- Resources for Early Childhood Providers
- Resources for Out-of-School Time Providers
- Web Billing Help
- Weekly Standard Rate Change Provider Letter (7/17/2023 | Maximum Weekly Standard Rates (Form 2533)
- NH Child Care Scholarship “Pay By Enrollment” Training Video for NH Child Care Scholarship Providers (PowerPoint Slideshow)
Information for Community
New Hampshire Head Start Collaboration Office
The New Hampshire Head Start Collaboration Office (NH HSCO) is located in the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Economic and Housing Stability, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration (BCDHSC). The purpose of the NH HSCO is to foster collaboration and teamwork between Head Start and state and local partners, strengthen and align early childhood systems, and improve access to comprehensive services for income-eligible families of young children.
The NH HSCO plays a key role in BCDHSC’s overall mission. The BCDHSC works closely with Head Start programs, the NH Head Start Directors Association and other state and local partners on the following priority areas in the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007:
- School readiness, transition, and alignment
- Early childhood systems building
- Professional development
- Child care
- Health care (including oral health, mental health, and nutrition)
- Children with disabilities and their families
- Children who are homeless and their families
- Community services
- Family literacy
- Family assistance (child and family welfare)
For more information on the NH HSCO or Head Start and Early Head Start program locations, enrollment, and services, please visit www.nh-connections.org