Quality Care Matters

What are “Quality Early Childhood Programs?”

Quality early childhood programs provide experiences that optimize each child’s development, learning and health, engage families and communities in partnerships while cultivating life-long learners and productive members of society.

Quality Care Matters

NH’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS)

NH has a new voluntary quality recognition system for licensed child care providers, known as Granite Steps for Quality (GSQ). Formally, NH had three (3) designations for quality child care: Licensed, Licensed Plus, and Accreditation (accredited programs). With this new QRIS, programs will focus on two quality standards which will promote a culture of continuous quality improvement. This focus will help improve the overall quality of Early Care and Education and Out-of-School Time programs in the state, thereby improving outcomes for children and families.

The GSQ system is now open for applications. Please apply for the GSQ using the printable application links below. At this time NHCIS online applications are paused until further notice.

Please mail your Application to:

DHHS/Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration
ATTN: Credentialing Specialist
129 Pleasant StreetConcord, NH 03301

Granite Steps for Quality Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Granite Steps for Quality Printable Application
Family Engagement Endorsement Printable Application
GSQ Quality Advisory Committee

Granite Steps for Quality Incentives

In recognition of their commitment to continuous quality improvement, programs awarded a Step in Granite Steps for Quality are eligible to invoice for quarterly incentive funds.  For invoice and reporting templates and more information about allowable and non-allowable use of these funds, use the links below.

Professional Development Opportunities:

Programs that are applying for a step in the Granite Steps for Quality System, the program administrator must complete two (2) Business Practices Trainings – available on ProSolutions.
Accepted Business Practices Trainings are as follows:
  • Taking Care of Business: An Administrator’s Overview
  • Leading With Heart: How to Build Effective Teams
  • Successful Coaching and Mentoring for Employee Growth
  • An Administrator’s Overview of Assessment in Early Care and Education
  • Creating a Business Plan for Your Family Child Care Program**
  • Budgeting and Financial Planning for Your Family Child Care Program**
** These two (2) Business Practices Trainings are only accepted for Family Child Care Programs