In 2010, the Child Development Bureau launched 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 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. The New Hampshire's Afterschool Professional Development System Guidebook 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 addition of 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 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.

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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):

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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

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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:

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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. The following documents will be very helpful, so please have them ready prior to the session, if possible:

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 NHCIS account

• Up to date Resume

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

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