GSQ News

June 2023

Congratulations!

On behalf of the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following programs on achieving a step in the Granite Steps for Quality System.

Southern NH Services- West High Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Silver Street Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Hillsboro Child Development Program, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Nashua Child Development Center, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Seabrook Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Northwest Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Head Start at MCC, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Raymond Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Bronstein Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS Derry Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

SNHS 11th Street Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

Tri County Head Start: Littleton NH, Head Start, Step 3

Tri County Head Start: Conway Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

Tri County Head Start: Woodsville Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

Whitefield Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

Colebrook Area Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

Tri-County Head Start: Groveton Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

New Morning After School Program at Riddle Brook, ERS, Step 2

New Morning After School Program at McDonough, ERS, Step 2

Kiddie Academy, NAEYC, Step 3

Chapel School, ERS, Step 2

The Learning Wagon Family Childcare, ERS, Step 2

Tri-County Head Start: Plymouth Head Start, Head Start, Step 3

Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to continuous quality improvement!

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Environment Rating Scales (ERS)-Child Care Aware of NH

Join the Community of Practice: Beyond the Intro and Overview for Environment Rating Scales! Take your understanding of ERS to new depths as we delve into its intricacies. Engage with fellow providers, gain valuable insights, and elevate your professional knowledge. Don't miss this chance to expand your expertise and enhance your approach to ERS!


This month the topic will be Transitions. Enhance your skills in managing smooth transitions. Learn more about promoting a seamless flow of activities, and fostering a nurturing and conducive environment for children's development.


June Session

Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Trainer: Katelynn Karugu, ECMPWT

Location: Online Zoom Training

Child Care Aware of NH, a program of Southern NH Services, will continue offering Intro and Overview of the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) training sessions throughout the summer to accommodate providers looking to achieve a step in the Granite Steps for Quality System.


Learn more about the ERS tools and how to use them to improve program practices. There are both evening and afternoon options available for the convenience of providers.


June Sessions

Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Trainer: CCAoNH Staff

Location: Online Zoom Training


Date: Thursday, June 22, 2023

Time: 12:30-2:00 PM

Trainer: CCAoNH Staff

Location: Online Zoom Training



CoP: Beyond the Intro & Overview of ERS Flyer
Intro & Overview of ERS Flyer
Register Through NHCIS

The Pyramid Model

Are you looking for Pyramid Model trainings?



Through a joint collaboration, the NH Department of Education and the NH Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Economic and Housing Stability, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration are bringing you three (3) online Pyramid Model packages through ProSolutions. Each Pyramid Model package is comprised of three (3), six (6) hour modules for a total of up to 18 hours of professional development. These packages are free to NH teachers and early childhood providers.

Log in to ProSolutions
Technical Assistance

If your program would benefit from more hands-on assistance, consider applying for one of Child Care Aware of NH's Progressive Training and TA Programs (PT&TAP).


Check out the Technical Assistance page on NH Connections for more information, or feel free to contact us by phone at

603-578-1386 ext. 2532, or by email at [email protected].

NH Connections Technical Assistance Page

GSQ Prerequisites

For 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**
Visit ProSolutions

** These two (2) Business Practices Trainings are only accepted for Family Child Care Programs

Learning More About Granite Steps for Quality (GSQ)

Where Can I Find All of the GSQ Resources, FAQ's, and Guides?

Quick Links

Who Can I Contact if I Have Additional Questions or Need Assistance?

For any questions or concerns you may have regarding GSQ, please consult the guide and FAQ's first. If you are still unable to find an answer to your question, you can reach out to the following organizations/individuals:


Staff Qualifications

You can find all the information to apply for your NH Early Childhood Credential on the "Credentialing" page of NH Connections.

Click Here to Visit the Credentialing Page
Click Here to Visit the Competencies Page
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Child Care Aware of New Hampshire is a Child Care Resource and Referral Program of Southern New Hampshire Services. The preparation of this email was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Economic and Housing Stability, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and the US Department of Health and Human Services.