| What can I do if I have a concern about something that happened in a licensed or unlicensed child care program? |
Call the Bureau of Child Care Licensing (BCCL) at 1-800-852-3345 ext. 4624 to share your concerns with BCCL staff. They will ask a series of questions about the specifics of your concerns. They will then determine if the information you provide justifies a valid complaint. BCCL staff may conduct an investigation to determine if any violations of NH Statutes or Administrative Rules have been violated. To be informed of the investigation results, you must provide your name and address.
If you suspect that a child may have been abused or neglected, contact the Child Abuse Report Line at 1-800-894-5533. The Bureau of Child Protection has more information on signs of abuse and neglect and what to expect when reporting. |
|
| How do I choose quality child care? |
| You can find information on this website about what to look for or you may call us directly for more information. Knowing what to consider is helpful. Most parents also have a “gut feeling” about whether or not a provider is a good fit for them and their child. Always feel free to contact us should you have any questions or concerns. |
|
| What does it mean if a program is Licensed Plus? |
| Licensed Plus is a new designation in New Hampshire's Quality Rating System. It means that a program has shown documentaion of implementing practices in their program above and beyond required licensing standards, but is not accredited. However, programs who are Licensed Plus may be in the process of becoming accredited.. Licensed Plus helps families evaluate their choices of quality child care. |
| What do I do if I have a complaint about the services provided by the CCR&R? |
| Each of the 10 Child Care and Referral agencies has been Quality Assured through NACCRRA’s Child Care Aware®. We strive to meet our goals through excellent verbal, face-to-face, and written interactions. If at any time a person has a complaint against CCR&R, they may contact the agency in their area and speak to a supervisor. We will make every effort to improve our services based on valid complaints.
|
|
| How can parents receive help paying for child care expenses? |
Department Health and Human Services of New Hampshire offers parents financial assistance to pay for some of the costs of child care. Parents must be income eligible and involved in a work, training or school related activity.
If you are not applying for other DHHS services and are using a child care center that has a contract with DHHS, you can apply for child care scholarships (financial assistance) directly at the child care center. If you are applying for other DHHS services (medical/Food Stamps/temporary financial assistance) in addition to child care assistance or are not using a contract child care center; you must apply for assistance at the one of the 12 District Offices throughout the state.
|
|
| Who can receive reimbursement for a child care scholarship? |
Only child care providers enrolled with DHHS/Child Development Bureau may receive payment from the State of New Hampshire for child care scholarships.
DHHS enrolls three types of providers:
- Contracted child care programs (these programs determine eligibility)
- Licensed providers (either family or center-based)
- Legally License-Exempt providers (see below)
|
| How can a provider enroll to receive reimbursement for child care services provided to a family? |
Child care providers must meet the following requirements:
- Be 16 years of age or older;
- Not be a parent of the child; and
- Not be living in the same home as the child
When you meet these initial requirements, you must complete the enrollment forms, including a criminal background check. Forms are available through a DHHS District Office or a NH Employment Security (NHES) office. You may request assistance from a NH Employment Program team member located in the NHES office. |
|
| What is a license-exempt provider? |
A family child care provider who operates in their own home is not required to have a license if they are caring for no more than 3 children other than their own for any part of the day, but less than 24 hours. License-exempt providers are paid a lower reimbursement rate from the State of New Hampshire child care scholarship.
Each CCR&R agency has contact with license-exempt providers. They have determined what criteria providers must meet to receive referrals through their agency. Please ask your CCR&R specialist about their policy for referring these providers to families.
In some areas of the state, license exempt providers are coached and encouraged to build a professional portfolio. The portfolio should include information about First Aid and CPR, their Contract, Fire Inspection, Health Inspection, USDA Food Program, Water Safety Training, Criminal Background Check and Training Certificates. If you consider a license exempt provider, ask to view the provider’s portfolio.
|
|
| Will the information I have given with the CCR&R be shared with anyone? |
| Any information shared with a CCR&R Network Agency will be kept confidential. We do not sell or distribute it in any way. The information is stored in our database and may be used in statistical or anecdotal form to advocate on behalf of children, families and child care.
|
