NH DHHS Announces $3.5 Million in Grant Funding to Further Support Child Care Sector

Concord, NH – Child Care Operating Expense Reduction (CCOER) Grant

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is pleased to announce the availability of $3.5 million in grant funding for child care providers across the State. The purpose of this grant is to offset operating costs and strengthen workforce recruitment and retention efforts. The CCOER Grant will provide funding directly to eligible child care providers in the form of reimbursement for eligible operating expenses incurred between March 3, 2021, and September 30, 2023.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this grant funding to support New Hampshire’s child care providers,” said DHHS Associate Commissioner Christine Santaniello. “Reducing some of the operating costs for our providers will allow them to put those dollars toward hiring and retaining high-quality staff, which is critical in keeping our child care facilities open.”

Funding Eligibility

The funding, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, is available to all eligible child care providers as defined under NH RSA 170-E. This includes:

• New Hampshire licensed-exempt facilities;
• Licensed full day/full week early childhood and/or out-of-school time child care centers; and
• Family child care centers.

Reimbursable Expenses

Expenses eligible for reimbursement can include those related to a facility’s physical space, such as long-term mortgage or lease payments, building maintenance, repairs, or renovations, and the creation or expansion of outdoor spaces. Additionally, programs and services necessary to operate the child care business may also be reimbursable under the grant. This can include payroll or bookkeeping software, training and support services, or materials for play and learning.

Child Care Strengthening Plan

The CCOER grant is one of several strategies defined in the Department’s Child Care Strengthening Plan. New Hampshire remains committed to supporting funding for the state’s child care sector. Recently, nearly $19 million in contracts were approved over the summer. Since 2020, New Hampshire has invested more than $142 million in federal relief dollars to stabilize and strengthen the child care sector.

Application Deadline

Applications and supporting documentation from child care providers must be received no later than December 1, 2023. For more information, please visit https://www.nh-connections.org/new-hampshire-provider-grant-funds/.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs that are connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The specific targets that can be identified based on the article’s content are:

• Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education (under SDG 4)
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value (under SDG 8)
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status (under SDG 10)
• Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities (under SDG 11)
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships (under SDG 17)

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: dhhs.nh.gov

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