Families

Programs that support children’s early development are critical for parents, to support their participation in the workforce and to provide them with resources to enhance their own parenting.

Our children’s healthy development depends on the quality and stability of their relationships with caring adults, both within and outside the family. That’s why it is so important for families to have the information they need to choose the kinds of environments and experiences that will help their children grow up healthy and eager to learn.

211NH.org

2-1-1 is a telephone number and website that connects users to information about critical services available in their communities. These services include: basic human needs resources, physical and mental health resources, employment support, support for older Americans and persons with disabilities, and support for children, youth, and families.

Center on the Developing Child

Harvard University provides information on early influences—positive or negative—that are critical to the development of children’s brains.

Child Care Licensing Unit

Ensures the safety of children in child care.

Child Development: Centers for Disease Control

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Parents, health professionals, educators, and others can work together as partners to help children grow up to reach their full potential.

Department of Health and Human Services: Domestic Violence

If you are a victim of domestic violence in need of assistance, please call New Hampshire's statewide domestic violence hotline at (866) 644-3574. Provides information regarding Domestic Violence or find a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center.

DHHS Child Protection Services

Child Protective staff work together with families to assess the safety of children, identify needs and develop a case plan. This plan defines the specific needs of the children and family members and outlines the method by which a family's protective service issues will be resolved with the assistance of DCYF.

DHHS: Child Health Program

The Child Health Program (CHP) is part of the Maternal and Child Health Section. Through this program, the Maternal and Child Health Section funds ten community health centers and one health agency to provide health care services to children in their community. Services are targeted to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured children. Care is provided through office visits and home visits, and is free or available by a sliding fee scale, depending on the child or family's financial situation.

DHHS: Healthy You

The resources listed below help improve your health. Research shows it's easier to maintain healthy behaviors when you and your community make similar changes.

Find a Family Support Program Near You: NH Children's Trust

This searchable database from NH Children's Trust allows for a user to find a home visiting program or family resource center near them.

Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center

Learn about Head Start in New Hampshire and locate a center near you.

Helping Your Preschool Child

A booklet that provides parents with activities to help children (infancy through age 5) become better learners and prepare for school.

New Hampshire Association for Infant Mental Health

Disseminates information and provides education about research and evidence-informed practices to strengthen collaborative efforts in support of families with infants and young children.

New Hampshire Family-Centered Early Support & Services

Anyone who is concerned about an infant or toddler's development, including a parent, may make a referral to FCESS. The program is designed for children birth through age three who have a diagnosed, established condition that has a high probability of resulting in delay, are experiencing developmental delays, or are at risk for substantial developmental delays if supports and services are not provided.

NH Connections

New Hampshire Child Care Aware: provides families with the education and resources they need to find child care through free and confidential referral services; recruit new providers and help them begin their child care business; offer assistance and support to child care providers and programs; maintain a web secure database of child care providers and programs; provide child care training opportunities to enhance early childhood professional development ;and advocate for quality, affordable child care for families and better wages and benefits for child care providers.

NH Department of Education

The New Hampshire Department of Education is a committed partner supporting statewide efforts for children and schools to promote a seamless system between PreK and K-3 education.

NH Department of Education: Special Education

For children 3 and up.

One Tough Job

Created by the Children's Trust, onetoughjob.org connects parents in Massachusetts and beyond with the latest and greatest parenting information, ideas, and on-the-ground resources. We also provide a bridge to help you find other moms and dads who have asked the same questions and faced similar challenges.

Parent Information Center of NH

Provides parents with high-quality training, consultations, and resources related to both general and special education.

Poison Prevention Tips

If you think someone has been poisoned, call your poison center right away — 1-800-222-1222.

Positive Parenting Tips: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Information on child development and parenting tips to foster healthy development.

Quality Cards for Families

A tool to help families choose quality early childhood programs and services

Families

The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website

Information on a variety of topics for parents with children of all ages.

The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL)

The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) is focused on promoting the social emotional development and school readiness of young children birth to age 5. CSEFEL is a national resource center funded by the Office of Head Start and Child Care Bureau for disseminating research and evidence-based practices to early childhood programs across the country.

Vroom

Download the Vroom App for brain building activities that fit into your daily routines. It takes just seconds to sign up to receive age appropriate Vroom tips personalized for each child. Plus, you’ll learn the science behind how these fun activities build children’s brains!

July 28, 2021 •

Welcome Families NH

Welcome Families NH is now a destination for families, especially those with young children, who live in or are looking to move to New Hampshire. We strive to take you on a journey by providing insights to resources and opportunities in the state that can:

Help you find and access basic needs such as housing and childcare
Provide current information about your child’s development
Connect you with resources if you or your child is facing a crisis or risk
Assist in discovering the many valuable resources New Hampshire has to offer.

July 28, 2021 •

Zero to Three

Learning begins at birth. By the time children turn three, they have already begun laying the foundation for life-long learning and success. Making the most of early learning moments can be the difference between a fragile beginning and a strong start at school. Discover more about how to support early learning in babies and toddlers.

Zero to Three: Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health

Infant-early childhood mental health (I-ECMH) is the developing capacity of the child from birth to 5 years of age to form close relationships, manage and express emotions, and explore the environment and learn.