Granite Steps for Quality Capacity Building Project
The GSQ Capacity Building project’s objective is to strengthen the systemwide infrastructure of NH’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS), Granite Steps for Quality (GSQ), through coaching supports, onboarding incentives, pilot projects, and professional development opportunities. In partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration, early childhood and out-of-school time programs will receive continuous quality improvement (CQI) supports to ensure that children experience safe, responsive, and enriching interactions and environments.
The GSQ Capacity Building Project Incentives Available:
Credential Incentive
This pilot has ended
Family Engagement Endorsement Incentive
This pilot has ended
Below are some of the projects and pilots DHHS will be supporting with this funding:
Incentives for programs currently awarded in GSQ on Pyramid or Environment Rating Scales (ERS) pathways including coaching, materials, toys, and financial supports, professional development opportunities, and individualized CQI planning.
Statewide Infrastructure building for expanding system of trainers, assessors, fidelity tool administrators/anchors, and coaches to support Pyramid Model and ERS programs in GSQ and the greater professional development system.
Multifaceted evaluation efforts including a process evaluation (focus groups, survey, interviews), a proposed validation study of current system’s effects on quality improvement, and general system updates and recommendations based on research and feedback.
Expansion of free college coursework offered at the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) during spring, summer, and fall 2024 semesters.
$499,982.50 of the $500,000 covered 100% tuition costs for every student taking Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time coursework at the Community College System of NH during the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 semesters.
Provide technical assistance and support to attain or maintain NAEYC accreditation and GSQ participation as well as to identify possible sources for sustainable funding for Accreditation Facilitation Pilots.
10 NAEYC programs participated in a focus group and received a participation gift from Kodo Kids.
The Mental health consultation pilot is a partnership with Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and early childhood programs that have been awarded in GSQ in the Monadnock region to provide child care placements for children placed in foster care.
Early Childhood Family Mental Health Credential (ECFMHC): Update and enhance the components of the ECFMH through the New Hampshire Association for Infant Mental Health (NHAMIH). Click here to go to the NH Association for Infant Mental Health site and learn more about the Early Childhood Family Mental Health Credential.
The Mixed Delivery Pre-Kindergarten pilot highlights standards connected to quality improvement indicators for a select few GSQ Step 3 or 4 programs (NAEYC and full-day Head Start programs included) by examining the processes, benefits, and challenges of implementation. Evaluation findings could inform future determinations for a state-funded NH Preschool Program.
2023-2024 Mixed Delivery Sites:
- Lancaster Play and Learn – Coos County
- Keene Day Care – Cheshire County
- Early Childhood Adventures – Hillsborough County
- Easterseals – Hillsborough County
- Strafford Head Start – Dover and Farmington – Strafford County
- Laconia Head Start – Belknap County
- Concord Head Start – Merrimack County
55 programs earned the Family Engagement Endorsement Between July 2023 and September 2024 and earned a $500 shopping spree to Kaplan Learning.
Contact Information
To learn more information about the Granite Steps for Quality Capacity Building Project, please email: