April 2025

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Hello Providers!


As we welcome the month of April we celebrate the arrival of Springtime and the freshness it brings. Child Care Aware of New Hampshire is preparing for a busy month and we hope you will join us at some of our trainings and events.


This is a great time of year to update your Provider Profiles in NHCIS. Do you have vacancies? Our Outreach Specialists (CCRROs) are actively engaged in the community, participating in family resource events and assisting families at the District Office lobbies in their search for child care. If you notice that your waitlist is a bit lengthy for families' needs, feel free to direct them to our outreach services. They can receive a tailored list of child care referrals by calling our office at (603)-578-1386 Ext. 2531 or Email: ccrr@caphr.org


Our Training and Technical Assistance Specialists (TTAS) are gearing up for an exciting array of professional development opportunities. Child Care Aware of New Hampshire offers an array of professional development opportunities, including Credentialing, Early Learning Standards, Family Engagement, Emergency Preparedness, and more. We provide personalized assistance tailored to your needs, whether it’s navigating NHCIS, addressing classroom challenges, or achieving other professional goals. Contact us to learn more! Call: (603) 578-1386 ext. 2526 or 2532 or Email: ccrrta@snhs.org



Enjoy this April edition of Monthly Minutes!


~ Child Care Aware of NH

Enjoy This Wellness Moment: Ethics at Work: Walking the Talk!

"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching."



 — C.S. Lewis


In any workplace—whether you’re in child care, education, or any profession—ethics isn’t just a set of rules. It’s about building trust, and respect, and creating a space where everyone feels safe and valued. At its core, ethics is about the choices we make, big or small, even when no one’s watching.


When we act with integrity, we become role models for those around us. Whether we’re protecting confidentiality, setting healthy boundaries, or being honest in tough situations, it all adds up to a stronger, kinder workplace.


Here are three questions you can ask yourself when faced with an ethical dilemma:

  • Do my actions reflect the values I believe in?
  • Would I feel comfortable if my decision was made public?
  • Am I building trust through my daily actions?

 

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
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Check out this video to find out more about ethical dilemmas and how using a code of ethics can help you navigate complex situations: What is an ethical dilemma in child care?


Finally, “The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a common basis for resolving the principal ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood care and education.” National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2011). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment.

You can access it here: NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.


CCAoNH Updates

Time is running out to reserve your spot for the 2025 Annual Celebration of NH Early Childhood Professionals—a day filled with learning, connection, and appreciation just for you! Today, March 31st, is the final day to register.

Register on Eventbrite

CCAoNH Professional Development Opportunities

View Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities Here

The Spring 2025 Trainings At-A-Glance calendar is here! Explore opportunities coming up in April through June to enhance your professional


View April Virtual Learning Communities (VLC) Topics Here
Register on NHCIS

Water Safety Training

Join Child Care Aware of New Hampshire (CCAoNH) for a Water Safety Training with Scot Noyes on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.


This training is offered at no cost for child care providers thanks to the generosity of our host site Little Antlers Learning Center, 742 Tenney Mountain Hwy, Plymouth, NH.


Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for people ages 5 to 44. For children ages 1 to 2, drowning is the leading case of injury death. (U.S. Lifesaving Association) This program examines why and how children drown and what we can do to prevent it.


Registration is required—to ensure your spot and learn more click on the Registration button below!

View the Flyer
Register on Eventbrite

Be Well, Care Well Self-Care Series: Physical Activity in the Workplace

Join us for Be Well Care Well, a dynamic six-part training series dedicated to exploring self-care in the Early Childhood Education field. Each session is designed to empower educators with strategies and tools to prioritize their well-being, both personally and professionally.


We understand that when educators feel their best, they can do their best work. That’s why our Well-Being coaches provide on-site support, resources, and actionable strategies to foster a culture of well-being in child care centers and family child care homes.


Through consultation, training, and coaching, Be Well Care Well helps programs create healthy work environments that enhance job satisfaction, reduce stress, and strengthen team relationships.

Whether you're seeking practical strategies, new perspectives, or a supportive community, this series is for you. Prioritize your well-being—because you deserve to thrive.

View the Flyer
 Register on Eventbrite

CPR & First Aid Training for Early Childhood Providers

Registration is now open for the CPR/First Aid Training on Saturday, April 26th in Bow and May 17th in Manchester, through NHCIS. If you need this training, don't wait—spots are limited. Please remember to withdraw if you’re unable to attend.

For questions, contact Child Care Aware of New Hampshire at (603) 578-1386 ext. 2532 or email ccrrtraining@caphr.org.

View the Flyer
Register on NHCIS

Health & Safety

Safe Play, Happy Kids: Tips for Playground Safety

Hooray for the warmer days and the disappearing snow! It’s so nice to get outside more with the kiddos. Your playground likely was impacted by all of the snow and cold weather this winter, so the spring is a perfect time to thoroughly inspect it and give it a good clean-up just in time for National Playground Safety Week on April 21 –25. 


Proper supervision of children, along with a daily inspection of surfaces and equipment, can go a long way toward keeping your playground safe and fun! Check out the resources by clicking the buttons below.  

CCLU Playground Safety Checklist
National Safety Council
American Academy of Pediatrics

Other Early Childhood News And Updates

TEACH NH Early Childhood Scholarship Program is

Accepting Applications

The TEACH program works with all 7 NH community colleges and UNH-College of Professional Studies to support early childhood educators as they take courses in early childhood education, and also general education requirements for an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, Bachelor's Degree Scholarships are Now Available! 


Scholarship recipients are responsible for only 5% of their tuition. This is a great opportunity to further your education and early childhood credentials.  


Don't miss out, apply today!



For more information, contact teachnh@caphr.org or visit NH Connections.

View the Flyer

NAEYC Week of the Young Child

Join the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) 2025 Week of the Young Child® celebration happening April 5-11, 2025! Their annual event celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, and families.

 

"A fun-filled week celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities."

Check out NAEYC WOYC Resources
Weekly Activities & Inspiration

Child Care Workforce Assistance Project

Now open!

January 1 - June 30, 2025

Applications Accepted

until May 30, 2025

View the Flyer

The Child Care Workforce Assistance Project (CCWAP) is a temporary funding opportunity that expands the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program for eligible child care staff working 25+ hours a week who need child care for their own child.


What do providers receive?

Eligible applicants will receive an individualized weekly amount sent directly to their child's provider to help offset the cost of tuition.


To see if you qualify for this project please visit the CCWAP page on NH Connections or take the Intent to Apply Survey!


Additional Questions?

Please email

CCWAP@Pyramidmodel.org

April is Prevention Month

April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and promote prevention efforts, with the New Hampshire Children's Trust (NHCT) and its partners focusing on strengthening families and ensuring access to early supports. 


The New Hampshire Children's Trust has some great resources to help you celebrate Prevention Month. To learn more visit their We Are Prevention page.


2025 Resources Include:

NHCT We Are Prevention Resources
View the  Wear Blue Day Flyer

Mark your calendars! Friday, April 4th, is #WearBlueDay2025. Wear your favorite blue outfit to help NHCT share the message that by strengthening families, we can create nurturing environments for children that PREVENT!

We all have a role to play. Take a picture and send it to communications@nhchildrenstrust.org to be featured on our feeds, or tag us @nhchildrenstrust!


Special Invitation From the York County Maine

Early Childhood Coalition

Register Here

 We have planned an early care and education conference for professionals working with birth-8. It will take place Saturday April 26th 8:30-3:30, participants will earn 7 contact hours. It is being held at the Sanford High School/Regional Technical Center @ 100 Alumni Boulevard, Sanford ME. (Note: The address is not included on the attached flyer.


We’re excited to extend the invitation to our surrounding NH friends. See attached flyer for details and registration link- or visit here.


The State Early Learning Alliance (SELA)

Teacher Resources to Help with Everyday Needs


Save valuable time and effort with these handy tools to help teachers quickly check off your “to-do” list on a variety of topics and everyday needs. You’ll find resources to help with normal classroom challenges and routines. including:

  • Transitions
  • Encouraging children to play together
  • Improving behaviors by giving choices


Daily Reports

These attractive templates make it easy to provide families with daily reports on their children’s days in your program. Just download, edit them if you wish, and print a supply to keep in the classroom.

 

Daily Schedules

Typical schedules are illustrated in the samples. Use the template to customize time slots and activities to fit your program.

 

Field Trip Forms

Planning a field trip?

These handy forms and checklists are fully editable and customizable. Simply download to your computer and add your own content to suit your needs.

  • Event Permission Form
  • Event Headcount Form
  • Field Trip Planning Proposal and Checklist Form
  • Transportation Permission Form 
  • and more!

To learn more, log into or register for free on the SELA Platform at www.selanhmembers.com. You will receive approval of your registration within one business day. Once you log in begin with the START HERE tab.

SELA NH

QUESTIONS? Email sela@earlylearningnh.org or schedule a half hour Zoom with us using this link https://calendly.com/jcowell-2/30min?month=2022-11

Child Care Aware of NH is a statewide Child Care Resource and Referral Program of Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties. The preparation of this document was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and/or such other funding sources as were available or required, e.g., the United States Department of Health and Human Services. 

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