Have you started exploring Granite Steps for Quality, NH's new Quality Recognition and Improvement System?

It is time to get recognized for all you do and become one of New Hampshire’s “recognized” quality programs as a Granite Steps for Quality awardee. To get started take some time to review the Granite Steps for Quality Guidebook, the GSQ application and other informational and instructional pieces included on the "Granite Steps for Quality" page.

The Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration put out an important announcement July 18, 2022 pertaining to updates in the NH Early Childhood Professional Development System. Please click the button below to read the full announcement.

If you are looking for the Granite Steps for Quality (GSQ) Logo for use on your program’s website/ family marketing pages, please email NHGSQ@dhhs.nh.gov. There is a required signed attestation in order to use the Logo. Once the GSQ team receives your email, you will be sent the required attestation and digital GSQ Logo image for your use.

Check out the GSQ Frequently Asked Questions document found on the "Granite Steps for Quality" page on NH-Connections. It is fueled by the questions coming from providers all around the state, and is updated frequently. The Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration, Child Care Aware of New Hampshire and ACROSS NH are actively collecting your questions in order to get you all the information you need.

You'll find any guides, resources and announcements on the "Granite Steps for Quality Page" on NH-Connections.

With the newly adopted QRIS System, the team here at CCAoNH is prepared to help programs start taking Steps for Quality. We have created new programming, offerings and resources to help Early Childhood Programs and Family Care Providers begin aligning their practices towards the standards within the QRIS: Granite Steps for Quality.

If you'd like to explore what that may look like in your program we invite you to contact us at ccrrta@snhs.org with questions or start your process by taking our Quality Readiness Pre-Assessment Survey.

If your program needs more hands-on assistance with Credentialing consider applying for our Q-Ready Staff Qualifications Progressive Training Program.

For more information about New Hampshire's Early Childhood Professional Development System, please visit the "Credentialing" page of our website. If you have questions about the Credentialing process or documents please reach out to us at ccrrta@snhs.org.

Last month Environment Rating Scales Institute released another version of their "Notes for Clarification" for the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3 tools. Please ensure you are using the proper items when preparing for Granite Steps for Quality.

Find this and so much more by checking out the ERSI Website.

Join us for any of our upcoming Intro and Overview of Environment Rating Scales opportunities or apply to participate in the Q-Ready Environment Rating Scales Progressive Training Program.

Child Care Aware of NH, a program of Southern NH Services, will be holding additional ERS trainings this summer. There are still two (2) Intro and Overview of the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) sessions being held in August, with an afternoon and evening option available.

Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Time: 6:15-8:15 PM

Trainer: Katelyn Karugu, MBA, ECMPWT

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2022

Time: 12:30-2:30 PM

Trainer: Bekah Kistler, ECMPWT

Have you heard of the Turtle Technique? The Turtle Technique is a method of teaching young children strategies for coping with anger, disappointment, and frustration. This self-regulation tool helps teach children to recognize their feelings, stop their bodies before they act, “tuck in” and take deep breaths, and calm down so that they can problem solve. The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations has some visuals for the classroom and to share with families.

For more information on the Pyramid Model or how you can begin to explore this Social Emotional Learning Framework you can visit our "Social Emotional Development and Learning" page.

If you have questions about exploring the Pyramid Model Framework reach out to Joan Izen at joan.izen@gmail.com.

For more information and to register, click the flyers below.