CREDENTIAL SUPPORT

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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 NHAPDS was first revised in 2013. A second revision completed in 2018 of the NHAPDS includes updates to the credential lattices, allowing for more individuals to enter the system. Additionally, the revision provides for 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. New in this 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.

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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

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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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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

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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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ONLINE Application for the NH Afterschool Master Professional Credential is Now Available

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You can now complete your NH Afterschool Credential Application online.  Go to the NH Professional Registry Page and sign in. Then click on the blue "Start Your Credential Application" tab on the bottom left.  Follow the prompts to input the appropriate information.

 

For support in completing the online credential application, consult page 9 of the "User Guide" that is accessible through a blue tab at the top of the NH Professional Registry home page.