CCAoNH July Monthly Minutes

July 2023

Hello Providers!

We hope this summer season finds you all in high spirits, with sunscreen slathered on your noses and an atmosphere filled with infectious laughter! As we dive headfirst into July, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work each and every one of you does, shaping the minds of our little ones with boundless patience, creativity, and love. From exciting scavenger hunts to imaginative storytelling sessions, you all create magical moments that spark curiosity and ignite young imaginations.

Amidst joyful adventures and educational endeavors, it is essential to remember the importance of social connectedness in our lives. Summer offers an opportune time to reflect on our social interactions and reconnect with others. It's a time to evaluate the extent to which we engage in meaningful social connections. Just as the warm sun brings people together, fostering meaningful connections and maintaining relationships with loved ones is vital for our well-being.

As you embark on this adventure-filled month, take a moment to reflect on the power of human connection. Encourage our little ones to cherish their friendships and explore the joys of socializing. Encourage them to engage in activities that promote teamwork, empathy, and understanding, as these qualities are the building blocks of a strong and connected community.

For all of you, our dedicated educators and caregivers, remember to nurture your own social bonds. Take time to recharge and engage in activities that bring you closer to family, friends, and colleagues. Whether it's a picnic at the park, a shared laughter-filled gathering, or a heartfelt conversation over a refreshing drink, let the summer season be a reminder to prioritize the relationships that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Warmest regards,

Child Care Aware of NH

Self-Care: Social Connections

Social connectedness is vital for our well-being, but as adults, making new friends can sometimes be challenging. However, stepping outside of our work environments and actively seeking opportunities to socialize can greatly enrich our lives. Here are some practical tips to help you foster social connections, explore shared interests, and create meaningful relationships outside of the workplace.

Pursue Personal Interests: Engage in activities and hobbies that you enjoy outside of work. Join clubs, groups, or classes centered around your interests, such as art, sports, music, or book clubs. This provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and socialize in a non-work setting.
Attend Social Events: Keep an eye out for social events in your community, such as parties, concerts, local festivals, or cultural gatherings. Participating in such events can introduce you to new people and create social connections beyond the workplace.
Volunteer in Your Community: Offer your time and skills as a volunteer for local charitable organizations, community centers, or events. Not only will you contribute to a good cause, but you'll also have the chance to meet fellow volunteers and build social connections.
Take Fitness Classes or Join Sports Teams: Enroll in fitness classes, join recreational sports teams, or participate in outdoor activities. This not only promotes physical well-being but also provides opportunities to socialize with others who share similar interests.
Attend Meetup Groups: Explore platforms that host various interest-based groups and events. Find groups aligned with your hobbies, such as hiking, photography, cooking, or gaming, and attend their gatherings to connect with people who share your passions.
Connect Through Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to find local events, gatherings, or social groups in your area. Many communities have Facebook groups or pages dedicated to bringing people together for social activities and meetups.
Host Gatherings: Organize casual get-togethers at your home or local venues. Invite friends, neighbors, or acquaintances to share a meal, have a game night, or simply spend time together. Encourage attendees to bring along someone new to expand your social circle.
Join Classes or Workshops: Enroll in classes or workshops that interest you, such as cooking, dancing, painting, or language lessons. These environments foster interaction and provide an opportunity to meet people who share your passion for learning.
Attend Community Workshops or Events: Look out for educational or cultural workshops, community lectures, or local events happening in your area. Participating in these activities not only expands your knowledge but also allows you to meet individuals with similar interests.
Reach Out to Friends and Acquaintances: Take the initiative to reach out to old friends or acquaintances for a coffee date, lunch, or an outing. Reconnecting with people you already know can help reestablish connections and create opportunities for new social experiences.

Socializing outside of work is crucial for personal well-being and building a diverse support network. By engaging in activities you enjoy and actively seeking social opportunities, you can foster meaningful relationships and enrich your social life beyond the confines of the workplace.

Remember to exercise caution and prioritize your safety when meeting new people. Take necessary precautions, such as meeting in public places, letting someone know your plans, and trusting your instincts. Building connections is wonderful, but always prioritize your personal well-being and trust your judgment!

Learn More About the Importance of Social Connectedness

CCAoNH Updates

Child Care Aware of NH Closures

Child Care Aware of NH, a program of Southern NH Services, will be closed Monday, July 3rd and Tuesday, July 4th.

During our closure, please note the following changes to our services:

Phone calls will be forwarded to our answering service, ensuring that your messages are received and attended to when we resume regular business hours.
Emails will not be monitored during this time, so please refrain from sending any urgent or time-sensitive inquiries via email.
LiveChat services will be temporarily unavailable.
Facebook messages and private groups will not be monitored.

We will resume regular business hours Wednesday July 5th.

Mind in the Making

Child Care Aware of NH hosted Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs, an 8-week in-person training series, completed on June 14th. Six early childhood professionals actively participated in the learning modules at our Concord office and trainers Julie Choiniere and Meriba Johnson thoroughly enjoyed working with this group.

Mind in the Making (MITM) training series is a two-generational approach to building executive function-based life skills within children, educators and families. Children are born with an amazing capacity to learn the seven essential skills they need to succeed in life. However, they depend on adults in their lives to model these life skills and to provide opportunities for children to develop them. The training helps adults understand and encourage important executive function-based skills children need to thrive, which include:

Focus and Self Control
Perspective Taking
Communicating
Making Connections
Critical
Taking on Challenges
Self-Directed, Engaged Learning

Each module focuses on a specific life skill, starting with adults and reflecting on our individual life experiences and learning the science behind the skill. The second part of each module focuses on children and how adults can help children develop these essential skills.

Much of the information shared in MITM may not be new to you, but it is delivered in such a way to encourage you to be more intentional in your interactions with children and families and suggests things you can do to support their growth in new ways. The information is research based and we take a closer look at the science behind each skill, helping us to have a deeper level of understanding and heightened awareness of executive function skills. It is also goal based and each week participants set goals for themselves or for the children in their care.

Why do we think this training is a powerful experience for you as an early childhood educator and caregiver? These skills can be learned and it is never too late to learn and develop the seven essential life skills. Put this message on repeat: It is never to late to learn and develop the seven essential life skills.

That’s why we want you to consider joining us in the fall for the next training series. You will have an interactive, reflective and engaging experience while learning the science behind the Seven Essential Life Skills.

Stay tuned for dates and times coming soon!

CCAoNH Professional Development Opportunities

First Aid & CPR is FULL!

We are delighted to announce that our free First Aid and CPR class on July 29th is full! Unfortunately, this means we are unable to accept any more registrations for this date at this time.

However, we understand your eagerness to participate and have established a waitlist for those still interested. If you wish to be added to the waitlist, please contact our Professional Development Support Coordinator. You can email by clicking the button below, or calling 603-903-0830. In the event of withdrawals, we will reach out to individuals on the waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis.

We are offering this course on additional dates throughout the fall. To learn more, click on the flyer.

We kindly request that if you find yourself unable to attend the class for any reason, please withdraw your registration promptly. This will enable us to offer the spot to someone else who is eagerly awaiting this opportunity. We also remind you to sign up for only one (1) class to ensure that everyone gets a chance to participate.

Email our Professional Development Support Coordinator

View the CPR & First Aid Flyer

Mini On-Site Conferences Update

We have had a great response to our Mini On-Site Conferences! Due to that response, please be aware that we are scheduling into November. There is a possibility that a 1-hour workshop could be scheduled before then – please be sure to reach out for scheduling or questions.

We're also excited to be offering an additional session: Career Mapping in the Early Childhood Field.

Click Here to Read Full Descriptions of the Sessions Offered

Click Here to View the Flyer

July Trainings At-a-Glance

Child Care Aware of NH is excited to be offering professional development opportunities throughout the summer!

Take a look at the July calendar to see what's happening. All of these training opportunities can be found in your NHCIS account.

Progressive Training and Technical Assistance Program (PT&TAP)

Elevate your child care program to new heights this summer with our Progressive Training and Technical Assistance Program!

Just as summer presents a golden opportunity for personal transformation, it's also the perfect time to strengthen your child care practices. With our program, you'll receive unparalleled guidance and support tailored to your program's needs. Our team of experts will equip you with focused and facilitated training sessions, personalized coaching, and continuous technical assistance throughout the sunny season. By partnering with us, you'll witness remarkable growth and progress as you continue to provide exceptional care and education to the children in your program.

Check out the state initiatives we can support you with:

Environment Rating Scale(s)
NH Early Childhood Professional Development System (Credentialing)
Strengthening Families, Strengthening Care
Business Management Practices
Infant & Toddler Care
NH Early Learning Standards
Program Emergency Preparedness and Response

Seize the summer and embark on a transformative journey to elevate your child care program like never before.

Want to know more?

ccrrta@snhs.org,

(603) 578-1386, ext. 2526 and ext. 2532

Visit NH Connections for More Information

Monthly Health And Safety Resources

Heat Safety

Summertime is here, which means more outside time! It also means rising temperatures. It is important to keep the children we care for and ourselves safe when doing outside activities during the summer months.

When it's hot outside, it's crucial for all of us to stay safe from the sun's heat. As you take care of the children, don't forget to take care of yourselves too. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Keep an eye out for any signs of heat-related illnesses in yourselves, your coworkers, and the children under your care. If anyone feels dizzy, has a headache, or seems excessively tired, it's important to take action. Move to a cool area and inform another adult immediately. Remember, by taking care of yourselves, looking out for each other, and being vigilant about heat-related illnesses, we can ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone during hot weather.

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Choose Water for Healthy Hydration

Other Early Childhood News And Updates

Licensed Plus Program

Please see the message below from the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration.

The Licensed Plus Program has been temporarily reinstated during the quality recognition and improvement program evaluation period. Programs have the option to participate in either this program (which will end at a “yet to be determined” date) or enter into the Granite Steps for Quality Program.

To learn more, visit the Licensed Plus page on NH Connections.

Visit the Licensed Plus Page on NH Connections

Updates to NH Connections

NH Connections has just received some fresh updates.

Updates have been made to two resources: the NHCIS Quick Guide and the Child Care Licensing for Providers Page. To explore these changes, simply click on the buttons below.

Check out the Child Care Licensing for Providers Page

Access the NHCIS Quick Guide

Professional Development Opportunities This Summer

Are you looking for professional development this summer? Kim Mattucci is currently working towards her trainer credential and is excited to be offering free training this summer! With an extensive background as an ECE educator holding a Master's Degree in Education and certification as a yoga teacher, she is equipped to provide a range of training options tailored to your center's needs.

She is offering staff training sessions on integrating yoga and mindful movement into the classroom, fostering a holistic approach to education. She also specializes in delivering professional development sessions on diverse subjects such as classroom management, social media professionalism, fundraising strategies for child care centers, having fun making messes, conflict resolution, and more. Each session is tailored to address the unique needs of your center.

To learn more or to schedule a training opportunity, please contact Kim at ksmattucci@gmail.com.

Email Kim

Save Money Through SELA

SAVE MONEY on early learning and office supplies orders through the State Early Learning Alliance (SELA) website!

Discount School Supply offers the lowest prices guaranteed on teacher supplies and quality products for early childhood educators, caregivers, and parents of young children to support child development. This exclusive offer provides you 20% OFF almost every current in-stock item – including clearing items. Plus, FREE SHIPPING on orders of $199 or more!

Kaplan products and services inspire a lifelong love of learning in children and educators. They are architects of learning environments and defenders of the imagination. They encourage the eager and inspire the inspirers, and transform lives through play. Receive a 17% DISCOUNT and FREE SHIPPING on orders of $100 or more.

Lakeshore Learning Materials is a leading developer and retailer of educational products for early childhood programs and elementary schools nationwide. Lakeshore offers innovative supplemental materials distinguished by their quality, educational merit and safety. Make a purchase today and receive 10% OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE and FREE SHIPPING!

Once you are on the site, click on the SAVING MONEY tab.

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 or use the QR code to the left.

Child Care Aware of New Hampshire is a Child Care Resource and Referral Program powered by Southern New Hampshire Services. The preparation of this document was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Economic and Housing Stability, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and the US Department of Health and Human Services.