Early Childhood Initiative
Early Childhood Initiative
Enhancing Early Childhood Experiences in New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire's Early Childhood Initiative is led by Dr. Kimberly Nesbitt from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and is located within the College of Health and Human Services. The Initiative is dedicated to improving outcomes for New Hampshire's children through collaboration with families, schools, and communities.
NH's Preschool Development Grant
New Hampshire's UNH-led Preschool Development Grant (PDG) continues the state's efforts to better understand the current early childhood system and use those data to strengthen the system, better address the needs of vulnerable young children and their families, and help build a solid foundation to improve outcomes for NH's children, families, schools, and communities. New Hampshire received over $35 million in Preschool Development Grant (PDG) funding between 2019 and 2024. The $26.8 million grant (2020-2022, with a no-cost extension into 2023) will help to build New Hampshire’s early childhood care and education system to be effective, inclusive, responsive, efficient, and evidence-informed. In 2023, New Hampshire was awarded a new year of funding for the Preschool Development Grant, bringing an additional $3.9 million to the state (US DHHS ACF Award# 90TP0110). Learn more about New Hampshire's Preschool Development Grant
PDG Activities & Resources
New Hampshire's Preschool Development Grant supports a wide range of activities and efforts to better understand the current early childhood system and to better address the needs of young children and their families, focusing on five key activities and strategic resources to build a coordinated, effective early childhood system across the state (US DHHS ACF Award# 90TP0110). These activities include the development of family engagement strategies, enhancement of early childhood workforce training programs, and improvement of data systems for better decision-making. Additionally, it provides resources for community-based services that support early learning and child development. By focusing on these critical areas, the grant aims to create a more inclusive, responsive, and effective early childhood system that meets the diverse needs of New Hampshire's young children and their families. Learn more about NH's PDG-funded Activities and Resources
Play-based Learning, Coaching, & Teaching
The UNH Early Childhood Initiative is committed to play-based learning coaching and teaching. Associate Professor and PDG primary investigator Dr. Kimberly Nesbitt, the UNH Early Learning Coaching Team, and PDG staff are spearheading efforts to share best practices and promote the successful implementation of play-based learning statewide. This initiative focuses on practice-based coaching, professional development for key stakeholders, the creation and dissemination of resources, and rigorous research . By providing comprehensive support and resources, the team ensures that educators are equipped to integrate play-based learning effectively, enhancing early childhood education across the state. Learn More
Leading the Way for New Hampshire's Children
Leading the Way for New Hampshire's Children
UNH leads effort to transform the State's early childhood education system
Article
Ensuring Bright Futures
UNH Awarded $3.8 Million Preschool Development Grant
UNH Awarded $3.8 Million Preschool Development Grant
Funding will help improve New Hampshire's early childhood education system
ArticleThe Preschool Development Grant is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (Award# 90TP0110). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or agency that provided support for the project.
