The goal of the Child Care Workforce Recruiting and Retention Plan is to support a variety of approaches aimed at re-building and growing the sector after the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Care involves all members of the community from program directors, businesses, colleges and universities, unemployment assistance offices, high school career and technical education programs and community-based agencies. Click here to learn more. 

Opportunities to Succeed Grant – UPDATE July 22, 2024

On July 19, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) assumed responsibility for the disbursement of funds through the Opportunities to Succeed (OTS) grant. DHHS notified providers impacted by this change by email on July 19.

Child care providers who have completed the Child Care Accelerate program through SEED Collective and received preapproval for an OTS grant will receive their payments directly from DHHS. If you have completed or are currently receiving services from the Child Care Accelerate program and are awaiting approval of a grant application, DHHS will be reviewing all outstanding applications and issue funds as appropriate.

We recognize the importance of this funding to New Hampshire child care providers and DHHS is taking steps to issue the funds as quickly as possible. DHHS will provide updates throughout this process.

-7/19: Letter emailed to all Child Care Accelerate participants notifying them that DHHS is assuming responsibility for the disbursement of funds under the Opportunities to Succeed (OTS) grant.

-Week of 7/22: The DHHS Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration (BCDHSC) will review all applications received to date, with priority given to providers that have been preapproved. BCDHSC will reach out to all OTS applicants to review the documentation received to determine if there is anything missing and provide instructions for completing the grant agreement they will be receiving.

*Current participants who started the Child Care Accelerate program on July 12 will be contacted and offered alternative coaching arrangements. This group will still have an opportunity to apply for the OTS grant.

-By 8/2: All applications and documentation must be received by Friday, August 2, 2024. This deadline is firm and will not be extended.

-8/8: DHHS will send Notices of Award with Grant Agreements via email to providers who submitted complete applications and supporting documentation. Grant Agreements must be signed and returned to DHHS in order for grant funds to be released.

-8/15: Due date for providers to return the signed Grant Agreements to DHHS/BCDHSC. This deadline is firm and will not be extended.

More information coming soon!

ACROSS NH is a dedicated project aimed at providing comprehensive support to out-of-school time (OST) professionals across New Hampshire. Our mission is to empower these professionals in their endeavor to create high-quality, innovative programs for school-age children beyond regular school hours. At ACROSS NH, we believe in the power of out of school time experiences to enrich children’s lives, foster their holistic development, and support families and communities. We are committed to ensuring that OST professionals have access to the resources, training, and networks they need to excel in their roles and make a positive impact on the lives of children throughout the state. Our approach is collaborative and inclusive, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including educators, program coordinators, policymakers, and community leaders. Through partnerships and shared expertise, we strive to elevate the quality and effectiveness of out of school time programming in New Hampshire. With a focus on innovation, best practices, and continuous improvement, ACROSS NH serves as a catalyst for positive change in the field of out of school time education. Together, we are building a brighter future for the children of New Hampshire, one enriching experience at a time. Click here to learn more. 

Child care is an essential service that strengthens the economic stability in communities across New Hampshire. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has partnered with the Granite United Way to implement the Child Care Business and Employer Partnership Project (CCBEP), a one-year research project designed to better understand the impact of family-friendly workplace policies on child care workforce recruitment and retention. Granite United Way will support the needs of businesses, employers, and working families by building partnerships and supporting initiatives that allow working parents and caregivers to enter or remain in the workforce, achieve economic stability, and contribute to New Hampshire’s economy.

For more information, click HERE.