What is the Quality Early Learning Opportunity Initiative?
The New Hampshire Community Action Association received a grant from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to implement the Quality Early Learning Opportunity Initiative, effective July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009.
The Quality Early Learning Opportunity initiative is a child care scholarship program serving families whose total household income exceeds New Hampshire State guidelines for child care benefits. In order to qualify, a family’s total gross income must fall within 190% to 250% of the federal poverty level.
If determined eligible, reimbursement will be calculated and paid in daily increments to the child care provider as follows:
- A child attending 6 hours or fewer per day will be reimbursed $6 per day.
- A Child attending more than 6 hours per day will be reimbursed $10 per day, up to a maximum of $50 per week.
What are the financial and non-financial requirements of eligibility?
The following guidelines are based on combined total gross income of qualifying household members:
Family Size 190% →
250%
2 $26,017.00$34,225.00
3 $32,629.00$42,925.00
4 $39,241.00$51,625.00
5 $45,853.00$60,325.00
Each child for whom child care assistance is requested must:
- reside in the same household as parent requesting child care assistance
- be less than 13 years of age
- be enrolled in a NH State-licensed child care facility
Each adult member of the family must be participating in at least one of the following:
- Education or training program
- Job search (not to exceed 40 days)
How do I apply?
To discuss eligibility and to fill out an application, please inquire at your local New Hampshire Community Action Agency:
Community Action Program
Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc.
(Belknap/Merrimack Counties)
1-800-856-5525 or 603-225-3295
Rockingham Community Action
(Rockingham County)
1-800-310-8333 or 603-893-8446
Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc.
(Hillsborough County)
1-800-322-1073 or 603-668-8010 ext: 6043
Southwestern Community Services, Inc.
(Cheshire and Sullivan Counties)
1-800-529-0005 or 603-352-7512 ext: 4163
Strafford Comm. Action Committee, Inc.
(Strafford County)
603-516-8138
Tri-County Community Action, Inc.
(Carroll/Coos/Grafton Counties)
1-800-552-4617 or 603-752-7100
How many scholarship opportunities are available?
The number of scholarship opportunities statewide is limited. Applications are being taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Where can I learn more about my child care options?
The NHCAA is in partnership with the New Hampshire Child Care Resource and Referral Network (NHCCR&R) to assist in making referrals to the program. Parents can learn about providers and receive child care information by contacting their local Resource and Referral agency at:
Berlin/Littleton: 1-800-445-4525 x 1462
Claremont: 1-877-212-7267
Concord: 1-800-307-2737 x 8286
Conway: 1-866-261-7555
Keene: 1-800-307-2737 x 8286
Laconia: 1-800-649-8817 x 174
Manchester: 1-800-870-8728 x 3501
Nashua: 1-877-211-0723
Portsmouth/Salem: 1-800-310-8333
Rochester: 1-800-913-1912
