March 2024

Here's "The Scoop!"

As March arrives and spring comes closer, we want to say a big thank you to all of you dedicated child care providers.

Your love and kindness make a big difference in children's lives. We appreciate all the hard work you do every day.

~ Child Care Aware of NH

Got something specific on your mind that you'd like us to cover? We're all ears! Your thoughts and ideas shape this newsletter, so send us an email at outreach2ccrr@snhs.org.

TA Tip: Building Trusting Relationships

One practice to add to your routine when welcoming new families into your classroom is to have an introductory meeting.

When a new family enrolls in your classroom, you want them to feel as comfortable as possible, that way they don’t have first-day jitters.

First, you can have them come and meet with you or the teaching team that will be working in their child's classroom. During this meeting you can get to know them a little better and find out important information you will need to know about their child.

The next meeting can be a visit to the classroom; allow the caregivers and the child to spend some time in the new space.

Once the child starts in the classroom, make sure to keep communication open with the families and be as flexible as you can with their schedule; such as starting with half days. This way it can be a soft transition for the caregivers and child as they get settled into the classroom and their new routine. 

Here are some simple ways to enhance your welcoming routine with families!  

This TA Tip was graciously shared by Lindsey Parisi,

Lead Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator.

Child Care Aware of NH is here to assist you! To learn more about how we can support your practice, please refer to our Services and Supports Guide.

Resources for Providers

Join us on Saturday, April 6th 2024 from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM for the Infant and Toddler Institute, Unlocking and Nurturing Communication for Birth to 3!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of visual interactive learning! Learn American Sign Language (ASL) for effective communication with children aged birth to 3 years.

This workshop focuses on basic ASL words through age-appropriate songs, games, stories, and activities, enhancing communication for pre-verbal and nonverbal children.

Discover over 125 signs, including popular nursery songs and beloved stories, and gain insights on developmental milestones and effective incorporation of sign language in various activities. Ideal for parents and caregivers for both home and classroom environments.

This training will award participants up to three (3) hours of professional development. Training Hours count towards the 18 hours of annual required professional development needs. It also qualifies for three (3) hours needed for the Infant and Toddler Endorsement for the Early Childhood Professional Development System credential applications.

“The most important thing children need to thrive is to live in an environment of relationships that begins in their family, but also extends out to include adults who aren’t family members in child care centers and other programs. What children need is for that entire environment of relationships to be invested in their healthy development.” — Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D. 

Resources for Families

Advances in brain research show that children are born learning and that their first three years of life in particular are important indicators for the success they can have later in school and in life. Early experiences that are language-rich and nurturing promote healthy brain development. So finding a quality early learning setting is essential for parents who work and seek child care.

Child Care Aware of NH is a Child Care Resource and Referral Program of Southern New Hampshire Services. The preparation of this (report, document, etc.) was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and/or such other funding sources as were available or required, e.g., the United States Department of Health and Human Services.