As a statewide organization dedicated to all types of child care programs in New Hampshire, Early Learning NH represents the industry in Concord on issues related to reimbursement rates, licensing, health insurance, and other policies that impact the quality and delivery of child care services.

This year, Early Learning NH is championing the following initiatives:

5% Reimbursement Rate Increase in 2006 and a 5% increase in 2007

Early Learning NH has worked with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Health and Human Services, and leadership in the House and Senate to ensure inclusion of a 5% reimbursement rate increase for child care services in the next biennium. To date, a 5% reimbursement rate increase in 2006 and a 5% increase in 2007 was included in the Governor’s budget, the House version of the state budget, and this increase is currently included in the Senate Finance budget proposal. After nearly five years without a rate increase, Early Learning NH is successfully making the case that child care providers cannot wait any longer for some relief.

Quality Rating System

Early Learning NH is partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a quality rating system. Implementing this system will enable child care programs to voluntarily participate in a quality improvement plan that will be tied directly to a financial incentive payment.

Preservation of Absentee Billing

This year, those child care agencies that contract with the State to serve income-eligible families nearly lost the ability to be reimbursed for child care services on days where scholarship children were absent due to illness. Early Learning NH elevated this issue of concern and the Department of Health and Human Services recently decided that the best way to address the need for equity in absentee billing is through the legislative process. Early Learning NH looks forward to engaging in this process as it evolves.

SB 34

Early Learning NH sponsored a bill, SB 34, which would require the Department of Health and Human Services to establish reimbursement rates for child care services that better reflect the current market rate for licensed child care. After two successful votes of support in Committee and on the Senate floor, this bill was tabled because the reimbursement rate for child care services is to be addressed through the state budget.

Bonus Payment

This year, child care providers received a one-time payment for those children currently eligible for state assistance. Early Learning NH was actively involved in working with the Department of Health and Human Services to encourage the allocation of these funds for child care providers.

Public Engagement

Early Learning NH also represents its members on public and private work groups, task forces, and committees addressing child care including:
NH Child Care Advisory Council

NH Child Advocacy Network

TANF Advisory Task Force

The Children's Alliance of New Hampshire provides advocacy services for the state. New Hampshire Advocacy lists current legislative issues facing the children of our state.