At-A-Glance
December 15, 2018
A quick look at what's happening!
“It is the most wonderful time of the year!" - Edward Pola and George Wyle
Child Care Aware of NH Updates
Southern New Hampshire Services Will Be Closed
Child Care Aware of NH, a Child Care Resource and Referral program of Southern New Hampshire Services, will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 24th and 25th, 2018 in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will resume normal business hours Wednesday, December 26, 2018. Happy Holidays!
Vroom Week Was a Huge Success!
Vroom Week was November 26th through November 30, 2018. During the week, CCAoNH gave out prizes at trainings and did activities with children during community outreach. This was a great week to spread the word about Vroom and how anyone can be a brain builder.
Congratulations to Our Vroom Week
Tip Card Activity Contest Winners!
Congratulations, Brenda Jones and Linda Barton. They are the winners of the Vroom Week Tip Card Activity Contest.
We would like to thank everyone that participated in the contest.

Winning Tip Card Activities
  • "Opposite Opportunities" submitted by Brenda Jones
  • "Do You Hear What I Hear?" submitted by Linda Barton
Honorable Mentions
  • "LEAVES" submitted by Carol Waring
  • "Nature Follow the Leader, Reverse!" submitted by Donna Miner
  • "Getting Dressed to Go Outside" submitted by Erica Brough
A ctive  C ollaborative  T raining (A.C.T.) Series:
Bomb Threat (SCAN) & Active Shooter (CRASE)
On December 1, 2018, early childhood professionals gathered to focus on topics tied to helping providers better plan and prepare for emergencies. Participants focused on Bomb Threat (SCAN) where they learned the basic description of the NH State Police Bomb Squad’s capabilities and typical tasks. In the afternoon, participants learned about Active Shooter (CRASE) training. This session explained how to quickly decide to take action by providing a strategy that develops situational awareness, mental planning and a common sense approach to surviving an active shooter event. 
We want to thank everyone who came out for this great training!
Infant & Toddler Institute
On December 8, 2018, providers gathered to enjoy a full day of professional development devoted to Infants and Toddlers. Participants focused on key learning goals for infants and toddlers and how infant/toddler teachers can promote children’s learning and development. Then participants delved into how to use the NH Early Learning Standards as a Resource for Promoting Infant/Toddler Learning and Development. It was a great day filled with learning and fun!

Thank you to everyone who came to the the Institute.
Exploring Strengthening Families
in a Child Care Cohort (ESF Cohort)
Applications are due
Tuesday, December 18, 2018.

Click here or on the flyer for more details.
Early Childhood Credentialing Challenges
The Challenge started October 1, 2018!
Click  here  or on the picture for a printable copy of the flyer.  The Individual Challenge is on pg. 1.
Click  here  or on the picture for a printable copy of the flyer.  The Team Challenge is on pg. 2.
Get ready to prepare for this year’s Credential Challenges

Click  here or on the flyer for a printable copy.
Professional Development Opportunities 
2018-2019 Annual Training Calendar
The Annual Training Calendar is a tool to intentionally plan for professional development. It shows all of the trainings that CCAoNH will host from September 2018 - June 2019.

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
- Henry Ford

Click  here  or on the cover to view the 2018-2019 Annual Training Calendar.
Caring for Our Children Conference in Keene
Saturday, January 26, 2019
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
 
Keene State College
Redfern Arts Center
90 Wyman Way
Keene, NH 03435

Register through Eventbrite .

Click here of on the flyer for more information.
Save the Date

A ctive    C ollaborative    T raining (A.C.T.) Series

Saturday, February 9, 2019
More details will be available soon!

Click here or on the NH Professional Registry Icon to register for trainings.
Click  here  or on the Eventbrite Icon to register for trainings with a cost.
Click here to or on the Webinar icon to register for webinar trainings. (The next live webinar will be available in January.)
training_worldcloud.jpg
Child Care Aware Training Academy

Looking for even more professional development opportunities? Check out Child Care Aware Training Academy. Click  here  or on the picture for more details. 
Health and Safety
Emergency planning happens year round. Each month, we will highlight safety themes and resources. The National Safety Council has a list of themes and events:  https://www.nsc.org/events/safety-observance-calendar .

December 2018 is Safe Toys and Giving Month! 
During December, participate in Safe Toys and Gifts Month. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 251,700 toy-related injuries were treated by hospital emergency rooms around the U.S. in 2010. Below are helpful tips and resources.

Helpful tips when considering toy purchases:
  • Make sure the age and skill level marked on the toy matches the age and skill level of the child you’re buying for.
  • Look for toys with a label from the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Resources for important safety information:
Pre-Planning for January 2019 is National Radon Action Month! 
During January, participate in "living green". According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a big part of "living green" is breathing clean, healthy indoor air.

Below are videos and resources for important safety information:
During January, we also experience winter weather. According to the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention, winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead; prepare your homes and cars; prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check in on older adults.

Below are resources for important safety information during winter storms and cold temperatures:
Resources to Share With Families
Fuel Assistance Program  

As we move towards winter, the weather has started to get very cold. If you or someone you know is having trouble paying for heat during the winter season, the Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) may be able to provide some relief. Our agency, Southern New Hampshire Services, offers fuel assistance along with other Community Action Programs across the state. Go to https://www.nh.gov/osi/energy/programs/fuel-assistance/ to get more information.

Please share this website with families.
Sledding Time  
As the winter weather approaches,
click here for a list of the best sledding hills in NH according to NH Magazine.

But before you hit the hills with your little ones,
check out some safety sledding tips here .
Other Early Childhood News & Updates
A Message from the NH Immunization Program 
Are You Ready to Fight Flu This Season?

2017-2018 was a severe flu season with record breaking numbers of influenza illness, hospitalization rates and reported pediatric deaths. The best protection against flu is getting a flu vaccine.

The timing can be unpredictable, but seasonal flu activity often begins to increase in October, commonly peaks between December and February, but can last as late as May. CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. It’s not too late! Protect yourself AND your loved ones by getting a flu vaccine. You have the power to fight flu.

Three Actions to Fight Flu this Flu Season
CDC recommends a three-step approach to fight flu:
1. Get a flu vaccine. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine every year provides the best protection against flu.
2. Take everyday actions to stop the spread of germs. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and if you become sick, limit your contact with others. Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow (or a tissue) when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands often.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. If you get sick with flu, prescription flu antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu illness. Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

Find out more about flu and how to fight it at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
To contact the NH immunization Program, call 603-271-4482 or visit our website: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/immunization/
Click here or on the flyer for a printable copy.
Child Care Aware of NH Contact Information
Need Help? Support? Call our Training and TA Lines!
Main Toll Free Line: 1-855-393-1731 
Bilingual Support Line: 1-855-393-1731 x 28 

Regional Outreach Offices:        Training & TA/Help Lines:

Southern/Main Regional Office: 
Concord Regional Office: 
Eastern Regional Office:  
Western Regional Office:
Northern Regional Office:      
(603) 578-1386, x 32 
(603) 227-6383
(603) 330-0961
(603) 903-0830
(603) 752-1327
We hope you've enjoyed this edition of At-A-Glance. Look for future editions on the 15th of the month! Items for submission for At-A-Glance must be sent to  outreach2ccrr@snhs.org  before the 7th of each month with the subject line "At-A-Glance". 
Child Care Aware of New Hampshire also offers FREE & CONFIDENTIAL Child Care Resource and Referral Services (CCR&R) to families and early childhood professionals. 

Copyright © 2018 All Rights Reserved.
The preparation of this email was financed under a Contract with the State of NH, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Economics and Housing Stability , Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration, with funds provided in part by the State of NH and the US Department of Health and Human Services.