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Afterschool Credential

The Afterschool Credential serves as a visible achievement of an individual’s professionalism and commitment to the field. Individuals are encouraged to display their credential proudly. Nationally, there is a growing commitment to the importance of professional development. Several states have credential systems, some required, others voluntary. The NH system is voluntary and is based on the following criteria: 
 

  • Education and Specialized Coursework

  • Work Experience

  • Ongoing Professional Development

  • Professional Activities (PAs)

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Individuals may apply for more than one credential as long as they meet the required guidelines. If you are credentialed as a Master Professional Workshop Trainer, Faculty, or Allied Professional, you may become a trainer for out of school time programs. If credentialed as a Master Professional Program Mentor or Allied Professional, you can become a mentor, coach, or consultant for out of school time professionals and programs.

NH Afterschool Professional Development System

The New Hampshire Afterschool Professional Development System (NHAPDS) is designed to recognize the education, experience, skills and talents of administrators, directors, and staff in out of school time (OST) programs. It also is intended to support the ongoing professional development of OST professionals, particularly given the strong link of staff development to higher quality programs and positive youth outcomes. 

Here are links to some of the important credential documents (all documents can be found in the NH Afterschool Professional Development System Guidebook):

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NH Afterschool Credential Application

NH Afterschool Credential Application Checklist
NH Afterschool Direct Service Credential Lattice

NH Afterschool Administrator Credential Lattice

NH Afterschool Master Professional Credential Lattice

NH Afterschool Leadership Endorsement

Professional Activity Matrix

Work Verification Letter

Program Professional Development Plan

Individual Professional Development Plan

Self-Study Template

Transcript Request Form

Afterschool Credential Support 

​ACROSS NH provides virtual and in person trainings and technical assistance (TA) to start or complete your Afterschool Credential applications:
 

  • Afterschool Credential Information Session 

  • The Afterschool Credential and Pathways for Development

  • Afterschool Credential Work Session
     

For a work session, please have the following documents ready:

  • A printed copy of the NH Afterschool Credential Application

  • Official High School or College transcript to document highest education level achieved. The official transcript can be emailed to: credentialme@dhhs.nh.gov.

  • Documentation of your work history in afterschool, including verification letters from employers

  • A printed copy of your Training Transcript from your NHCIS account for the last three (3) years and all other professional development including first aid and CPR

  • An up to date resume

  • Documentation of your Professional Activities (PAs) for the last three (3) years

  • Credential applications can be mailed to: 
    DHHS/DCYF/Child Development Bureau
    ATTN: Credentialing Specialist
    129 Pleasant Street
    Concord, NH 03301

Upcoming Credential Trainings

Afterschool Credential Information Session

September 13, 12-1pm, November 7 @ 12-1pm, February 7 @ 12-1pm, April 17 @ 12-1pm

This 1 hour virtual training will list the steps and process of applying for an Afterschool Credential. We will explore the credential options, requirements, and necessary forms you need to get started. Register in NHCIS

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The Afterschool Credential and Pathways for Development

Dates TBD

This training will review the Afterschool Credential options, requirements, and necessary forms needed to get started. We will dive deeper into the opportunities for growth as an OST professional by creating a professional development plan and goal setting. Register in NHCIS

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Afterschool Credential Work Session

This training is a hands on session to assist you and your staff to organize and apply for an Afterschool Credential. Participants will be asked to have ready the following documents ready:

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  • A printed copy of the NH Afterschool Credential Application

  • Official High School or College transcript to document highest education level achieved. The official transcript can be emailed to: credentialme@dhhs.nh.gov.

  • Documentation of your work history in afterschool, including verification letters from employers

  • A printed copy of your Training Transcript from your NHCIS account for the last three (3) years and all other professional development including first aid and CPR

  • An up to date resume

  • Documentation of your Professional Activities (PAs) for the last three (3) years

  • Credential applications can be mailed to: 
    DHHS/DCYF/Child Development Bureau
    ATTN: Credentialing Specialist
    129 Pleasant Street
    Concord, NH 03301
     

This credential work session training is provided on site by request. Please email Cathy Hazelton, Assistant Director, at chazelton@acrossnh.org to request a work session for your staff.

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