CREDENTIAL SUPPORT

The New Hampshire Afterschool Professional Development System:

In 2010, the Child Development Bureau launched the New Hampshire Afterschool Professional Development System. In the last eight years, more than 630 afterschool credentials have been awarded. 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 programs. It also is intended to support the ongoing professional development of afterschool professionals, particularly given the strong link of staff development to higher quality programs and positive youth outcomes. New Hampshire's Afterschool Professional Development System is posted here.

The most recent revision of the NHAPDS was in 2020. Updates include the credential lattices, allowing for more individuals to enter the system, better alignment with the New Hampshire Child Care Licensing Rules and the changes to the requirements for professional development at all levels. Education and training continue to be vital in the growth and quality improvement of our professional workforce. The newest revision is the Leadership Endorsement. This provides an opportunity to recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership skills at all levels of the credential lattices.

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 his or her credential openly and proudly.

Individuals may apply for more than one Credential as long as they meet the required guidelines. To learn more, click on the Guide to the Credential Lattices. If you are credentialed as a Master Professional Workshop Trainer, Faculty, or Allied Professional, you may become a trainer and track training presented through the NH Professional Registry. If credentialed as an Individual Mentor, Program Consultant, or Allied Professional, be available as a mentor, coach or consultant for afterschool professionals and programs.

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

Are you ready to get started? We are here to support you! Here are links to credential documents:

NH Afterschool Professional Development System Guidebook

NH Afterschool Credential Application
NH Afterschool Lattices and Leadership Endorsement

Introduction to Professional Activities (PA)

Professional Activity Documentation

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:

This is a hands-on session to start or complete your Afterschool Credential application. Our facilitator will walk participants through the newly revised Afterschool Credential application, providing step-by-step support. The following documents will be very helpful, so please bring them if they are available:

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

A printed copy of the NH Afterschool Credential Application
Evidence of highest education level achieved (i.e. Copy of your High School Diploma or College transcripts. You may bring unofficial transcripts for the purpose of this work session, but will need official copies in a sealed envelope to submit to the Child Development Bureau. A Transcript Request Form will be provided if needed.)
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 NH Professional Registry account
Up to date Resume

Please call (603) 206-6800 or email to request a session for your staff or region.