The New Hampshire Executive Council tabled a $1.2 million extension of an existing contract to bolster the Granite Steps for Quality program and provide more professional development opportunities related to caring for children with special needs. 

In Wednesday’s meeting, the Executive Council voted against providing additional funding to the Pyramid Model Consortium, a national resource center and nonprofit that developed models to promote social-emotional development and school readiness in children under age 5. The organization works with the state’s Department of Health and Human Services to run the Granite Steps for Quality program. 

Granite Steps for Quality is New Hampshire’s version of the Quality and Rating Improvement System, a national program that tries to ensure continuous improvement of early education providers through professional development, training, coaching, online learning models, and other tools. Programs opt in to Granite Steps for Quality and, in return, receive quarterly and annual payments. 

The company is under contract with the state through fiscal year 2028. The contract’s amendment increases funding by $1,276,128, bringing the total contract to over $3.6 million. 

The contract is paid for using federal funds. 

When discussing the bill, Councilor John Stephen challenged Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Weaver and department officials over why funding for the workforce recruitment and retention program has yet to be sorted out. The bill was ultimately tabled after Councilor David Wheeler raised concerns that one of Pyramid Model Consortium’s strategic priorities is to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

“Without seeing the curriculum, I can’t support this item,” Wheeler said. Wheeler also stated he would not approve the contract if it included “politically correct teachings” and exceeded $1 million. 

Health and Human Services Associate Commissioner Chris Santaniello said that because the program works with “lots of children,” including children with disabilities, there’s “inclusion language.” 

“(I am) not seeing what you’re referring about, I am suspecting that’s what it’s talking about, equal access to childcare for all children,” she told the council. 

Additional funding would have gone toward: 

  • Expanding free, statewide professional development services for childcare providers, including coaches, training, expanding one of the GSQ pathways, and providing unlimited access to the company’s e-modules 
  • Supporting the inclusion of young children with special needs by teaching professionals care strategies and providing additional consultation services
  • Technical support for the program 
  • Pyramid Model Consortium and Department of Health and Human Services collaboration and contract oversight 

Weaver wrote in the contract’s explanation that if the council decided not to authorize the request, it would result in a “loss of necessary support for teachers, financial loss to programs, which may result in lower quality care for children and families.” 

She estimated that around 9,500 professionals working in 719 licensed programs across the state are eligible for professional development services.