The Coos County Director Network is pleased to announce the Lancaster Play and Learn
Child Care Center has achieved a Level 3 on the lattice of the State of NH’s new quality rating system in child care licensing. The state of NH recently adapted the new rating system, Granite State Steps for Quality (GSQ), replacing the Licensing Plus quality rating used by the state.

Previously NH had 3 designations for measures of quality child care; Licensed, Licensed Plus, and Accreditation (accredited NAEYC programs). With this new quality rating system, the child care programs will focus on two quality standards which will promote a culture of continuous quality improvement. This focus will help improve the overall quality of Early Care and Education and out Out-of-School Time (ASP) programs in the state, thereby improving outcomes for children and families. The Child Care Licensing Unit (CCLU) ensures that children attending NH child care programs are in safe and healthy environments and are provided with care, supervision, and developmentally appropriate activities that meet each individual child’s physical and emotional needs. Quality early childhood programs provide experiences that optimize each child’s development, learning and health, and engage families and communities in partnerships while cultivating life-long learners and productive members of society. The Lancaster Play and Learn has met and exceeded those areas of criteria.

Lancaster Play and Learn Child Care Center is a non-profit agency governed by a Board of Directors. The Center was established over four decades ago, opening in 1978. Amy Graham, the current Director has been with the Center since August 2003 and oversees a Staff of 9 NH Credentialed teachers in the Early Childhood Education field. They currently provide care for 32 children in 3 classrooms, (infant, toddler, and Preschool aged children). The Center provides care for Lancaster as well as surrounding areas such as, Whitefield, Dalton, Jefferson, Groveton, Lunenburg & Guildhall, VT.

Congratulations to Lancaster Play & Learn on your continued support for quality care in the north country!

– Patti Henry
Coos County Director Network Advocacy Chair