CREDENTIAL SUPPORT

2023 ACROSS NH Afterschool Credential Challenge

Have you been thinking about the next steps in your career? Are you ready to be recognized for your experience, education, and achievements? ACROSS NH is please to announce the 2023 Afterschool Credential Challenge! If you earn your afterschool credential before March 1, 2023 and fulfill the challenge requirements below, ACROSS NH will pay for your application fee and you will be entered into a Gift Raffle to win $50 Amazon Gift Card and a Mindfulness/SEL Curriculum Themed Gift Basket for Your Program!

ACROSS NH Challenge Requirements:

Complete and submit the “ACROSS NH Afterschool Credential Challenge Form” and “Information and Release Form” to cathy@seresc.net
Receive Technical Assistance (TA) support from ACROSS NH
in at least one of the following opportunities:
- One-on-one assistance by Zoom or phone, or on site
- Participation in a Credential Work or Info Session
Have an account in the NH Connections Information System
Receive an afterschool credential in the NH Afterschool Professional Development System
Apply for an afterschool credential before March 1, 2023 by mailing your application to the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration

If you have questions, please contact Cathy Hazelton, ACROSS NH Assistant Director at cathy@seresc.net or (603) 206-6848.

The New Hampshire Afterschool Professional Development System:

The New Hampshire Afterschool Professional Development System (NHAPDS) is designed to recognize the education, experience, skills and talents of those working 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. The New Hampshire's Afterschool Professional Development System Guidebook is posted here.

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

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.

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.

Questions? Call ACROSS NH at (603) 206-6800 or email acrossnh@seresc.net.

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

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

Mail Completed Credential Applications To:

DHHS/DEHS/Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration
ATTN: Credentialing Specialist
129 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301

Afterschool Credential Work Sessions:

ACROSS NH can provide a hands-on session to start or complete your Afterschool Credential applications. Our facilitator will walk participants through the newly revised Afterschool Credential application, providing step-by-step support. Please call (603) 206-6800 or email acrossnh@seresc.net to request a session for your staff or region.

The following documents will be very helpful, so please have them with you if they are available:

A printed copy of the NH Afterschool Credential Application
Evidence of highest education level achieved
Documentation of professional development or certification, including first aid and CPR
Documentation of your work history in afterschool, including letters from employer
A printed copy of your Training Transcript from your NHCIS account
Up to date Resume
Documentation of your Professional Activities (form provided)