October 2023
Hello Providers!

As we step into October, we can't help but marvel at the breathtaking transformation of nature that surrounds us. We're incredibly fortunate to live in a place that experiences the full spectrum of autumn's vibrant colors and glorious beauty. It's a time of year when the world around us seems to slow down, offering a chance to catch our breath and savor the simple pleasures of life. We hope that both children and teachers alike have settled into brand new routines, finding comfort and joy in the rhythm of the changing seasons. Let's take a moment together to relish in this picturesque season before the whirlwind of the holiday season sweeps us off our feet. Welcome to the October edition of Monthly Minutes!

Warmest regards,

Child Care Aware of NH
CCAoNH Updates
Don't Forget to Subscribe to "The Scoop"!
Have you heard? The Scoop Newsletters are officially live!

This is your chance to get content and resources specifically curated to the work you do! Are you an infant/toddler teacher? Then the The Scoop: For Infant and Toddler Care is for you! Preschool teacher? Meet The Scoop: For Preschool Care! And don't think we forgot about our Family Care providers, Montessori teachers, and everyone working in a multiage program, we've got you covered with The Scoop: For Mixed Age Care!

As a friendly reminder, The Scoop Newsletters have officially replaced our E-News You Can Use. We highly recommend signing up to ensure you stay well-informed.
CCAoNH Professional Development Opportunities
October Trainings At-a-Glance
October offers a cornucopia of opportunities for growth through our exciting array of professional development offerings! Dive into our calendar filled with enriching collaborative sessions designed to elevate your skills and knowledge. Make sure to check out our FULL day Revive & Thrive, as well as the newly added Babies and Books session!

With autumn in full swing, take out your planners and reserve these dates to flourish in your professional journey alongside us this October.
Babies and Books
Check out Babies and Books: Selecting the Best Books and Related Activities for Infants and Toddlers! In this informative session, you'll delve into the fascinating realm of language and literacy development in babies and toddlers, guided by research findings. Explore the art of selecting age-appropriate books tailored to each stage of infant and toddler growth, and gain practical insights into implementing engaging literacy activities for the little ones under your care.

This session is being offered Wednesday, October 25th from 6:00-7:30 PM, online via Zoom. To view more details, click the button below to view the flyer.
Revive & Thrive
Join us for a rejuvenating experience! Take time for self-care and self-compassion with wellness activities that nurture your creative expression. Explore and appreciate your uniqueness while enjoying yourself! 

Feel free to wear comfortable clothes and bring a blanket or slippers!

The Revive & Thrive Retreat will award participants up to four (4) hours of professional development.
Progressive Training and Technical Assistance Program (PT&TAP)
The Progressive Training and Technical Assistance Program presents child care programs with a unique opportunity to engage in focused and expertly facilitated training and technical support. This program is designed to deliver personalized assistance, tailored to enhance program quality. By choosing to partner with Child Care Aware of NH, child care programs embark on a dedicated journey toward long-term improvements in quality and best practices, focusing on one of five State Initiatives:

  • NH Early Childhood Professional Development System (Credentialing)
  • Strengthening Families, Strengthening Care
  • Business Management Practices
  • Infant & Toddler Care
  • NH Early Learning Standards
Embrace the fall season as you embark on a transformative journey to enrich your child care program like never before. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your practices and create a lasting impact on the children you serve.
Want to know more?

Contact us at
(603) 578-1386, ext. 2526 and ext. 2532
Early Childhood Collaboratives
Child Care Aware of NH is delighted to continue our online Early Childhood Focused Collaborative Meetings.

These dynamic gatherings are shaped by the participants themselves, ensuring that they align with your unique needs and interests. By joining us, you can expect to:

  • Stay informed about the latest developments in Child Care Aware of NH programs.
  • Gain access to crucial local and state information.
  • Get valuable professional development opportunities tailored to you

This month we're highlighting the Infant and Toddler Collaborative. This collaborative is designed for providers who work with our youngest learners, focusing on their healthy development and best practices.

This month you'll be learning more about Credentialing and the Infant & Toddler Endorsement. You can check it out on Tuesday, October 3rd from 6:00-7:30 PM.

The Infant & Toddler Collaborative is held the first Tuesday of the month from 6:00-7:30 PM. You can register for this collaborative and others through your NHCIS account.
Early Childhood Cohorts
We want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in our recent poll! The response was truly overwhelming, with the majority of votes in favor of starting an Infant and Toddler Team cohort.

Our Early Childhood Cohorts serve as a collaborative platform, bringing together various programs with shared interests in advancing a specific State Initiative. Through this collective effort, participants can engage in meaningful collaboration with their peers, gain access to valuable resources, and receive professional development and technical assistance within a cooperative group setting. The Infant and Toddler Team Initiative not only supports Infant and Toddler Providers in obtaining their Infant/Toddler Endorsement through the NH Early Childhood Professional Development System but also aims to integrate the NH Early Learning Standards into their work with this age group.

If you are interested in joining the Infant and Toddler Team Cohort, please take a moment to fill out the application and send it to [email protected].
To learn more about other initiatives, visit the Technical Assistance page on NH Connections to read a description of each one.
Monthly Health And Safety Resources
SIDS Awareness Month
In October and beyond, infant caregivers can join Safe to Sleep® and its partners to encourage safe infant sleep and help raise awareness about ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Despite decreases in rates of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths, more than one-third of sudden unexpected infant deaths that occur in the United States each year are from SIDS. Research also shows that unsafe sleep areas, such as those that include non-fitted sheets, blankets, or stuffed toys, remain a leading cause of infant death.
To learn more about how you can promote SIDS Awareness and safe sleep practices in your program, visit Safe to Sleep for more information.
Other Early Childhood News And Updates
Granite Steps for Quality
On behalf of the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following programs on achieving a step in the Granite Steps for Quality System
New Morning School of Bedford, ERS, Step 2
Woodside School Fruit Street, NAEYC, Step 3
The Growing Years, Pyramid Model & ERS, Step 2
New Morning Before and After School Program at Smyth Road, ERS, Step 2
New Morning Before and After School Programs at Northwest, ERS, Step 2

Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to continuous quality improvement!
To learn more about Granite Steps for Quality and how you can apply for a Step, click the button below to view the Granite Steps for Quality page on NH Connections.
Credential Fees Waived
Please see this important message from the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration:

Recently it came to our attention that the Department must adopt rules relative to our Early Childhood Professional Development System credentialing. As we move forward with the rules development process, all fees to obtain credentials will be waived. This policy will be in effect until the rule is adopted. Although we do not have a date by which we expect the rule to pass, we will keep you informed regarding our progress and provide you with ample advance notice when credential fees will be reinstated.
Click below to read the full statement.
Afterschool Provider Roundtable
Join the New Hampshire Afterschool Network for the Afterschool Provider Roundtable! This is your opportunity to share your vision for the future of afterschool in New Hampshire.

This event is being offered Tuesday, October 3rd, from 10:00 to 1:00 PM. Click the image or the button below for more details.
SELA
We hope you’ve had a chance to check out the State Early Learning Alliance (SELA) Platform! ALL NH Child Care Programs now have FREE access to the cost savings, tools and resources on the SELA Platform. ANY AND ALL Staff can access the platform for FREE!
 
One of the resources you can find on the SELA Platform is the Pinterest page. This resource is full of fun and simple activities specifically searched and sorted for child care programs. This time of year it includes curriculum and activity ideas for fall and other seasonal themes. 
 
Check out these fall-themed links from the SELA Pinterest Page by clicking on the topics below: 
child-playing-leaves.jpg
Another great resource you can find on the SELA Platform is the theme-based lesson plans from PNC Grow Up Great®. These free, printable, theme-based lessons in science and the arts are designed to be used flexibly with existing curricula. 
Log in or register for the SELA Platform for free at www.selanhmembers.com or use the register QR code.
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.