December 2024

Here's "The Scoop!"

TA Tip: Cozy Up & Get SMART: Plan Your 2025 Professional Goals

The winter season is here, and it's the perfect time to cozy up in your favorite chair with comfy clothes and a warm cup of cocoa to map out your professional development plan for 2025. Take this opportunity to reflect on what you’d like to learn or the skills you’d like to build in the year ahead.

Start by brainstorming topics that interest you or align with your career goals. Then, narrow your list down to the most meaningful and essential areas to focus on. Consider using a SMART Goal planning template to structure your goals effectively.

What is a SMART Goal? It’s a framework that helps ensure your goals are:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Identify how you’ll track your progress.
• Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic and within reach.
• Relevant: Align the goal with your broader career objectives.
• Timely: Set a deadline to stay on track.

Using SMART Goals can make a big difference in turning your plans into reality. Check out the link below for simple templates that can help you stay organized and focused on reaching your personal and professional goals.

Not Sure Where to Start? We’ve Got You Covered! Begin by exploring New Hampshire’s Preschool Workforce Specialized Competencies to assess your current skills and knowledge:

👉 Preschool Workforce Competencies

For the latest updates, training opportunities, and resources, visit the Professional Development page on NH-Connections:

👉 Professional Development on NH-Connections

Child Care Aware of NH is here to support you every step of the way. Whether by email, phone, virtual meetings, or onsite visits, we’re ready to help you meet your training and professional development goals.

This TA Tip was graciously shared by Julie Choiniere,

Training and Technical Assistance Specialist.

Child Care Aware of NH is here to assist you! To learn more about how we can support your practices, please refer to our Services and Supports Guide.

Resources for Providers

If you’re a teacher in a cold climate, you know that winter is here! With preschoolers that are in need of fresh air and learning activities that get them up and moving, you need to find a way to take advantage of those cold, snow-covered months.

Once everyone is suited up for the cold weather, here are some winter activities that you and your preschoolers can enjoy!

Join the 2024 Early Childhood Credential Challenge starting December 1st! Whether as a team or an individual, take the leap and submit your application by February 28th.



With guidance from CCAoNH every step of the way, you’ll work toward earning your credential—and enjoy the chance to win prizes and awards at the Annual Celebration of NH Early Childhood Professionals this spring!

Resources for Families

December is here, and with holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, now is the perfect time to cozy up with a mug of something warm and get crafting! Kids and grown-ups can work together to follow the instructions and safely and easily create these crafts out of materials already in the home. Hint: They make wonderful gifts that friends, family, caregivers, teachers, or neighbors are sure to treasure for years to come.

The Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration rolled out a new Child Care Scholarship page on NH-Connections. This page has brand new, easy to read, marketing materials along with helpful step-by-step instructions and videos for families who may be eligible to receive child care scholarship. We invite you to share this valuable resource with the families in your care.