December 2024

As the year winds down, we want to thank you for your dedication to nurturing the children in your care. Your support helps them grow and thrive every day.


Child Care Aware of NH is here to provide you with valuable resources and encouragement as we move forward together.


Enjoy this December edition of Monthly Minutes!


~ Child Care Aware of NH

Enjoy This Wellness Moment: Can Feeling 'Awe-full" Boost Your Health?

Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”

― Marcus Aurelius


Studies show that people who regularly report feeling wonder and awe experience lower stress and reduced inflammation. Doctors don’t fully understand how this happens, but it might have something to do with the fact that experiencing awe (such as when you look at a beautiful painting or marvel at a piece of music) reduces the focus on ourselves.

How do we increase the feelings of awe and wonder? Getting out in nature is the most common way for people to feel that sense of awe. But it’s not the only way. Relationships with other people can produce feelings of awe. Experiencing art, music or other forms of personal expression can produce it, too.


How much awe do you experience in your life?

Find out by taking this short quiz! Greater Good Awe Quiz

Awe as a Pathway to Mental and Physical Health
The Power of Awe - Mayo Clinic

CCAoNH Update

It's Time to Update Your Program Profiles!

It's time to update! Our Outreach Specialists are actively conducting child care referrals for families across the state. To ensure that we provide accurate and up-to-date information, we kindly ask all Child Care Center Directors, Agency Administrators, Afterschool Site Directors/Coordinators, and Family Child Care Providers to update your Program Profile tile in your NHCIS account.


Your updated Program Profile will help us assist families making child care arrangements. If you need any assistance, please feel free to call us at 603-578-1386 ext. 2531.

Thank You for Celebrating Family Engagement Month!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Family Engagement Month celebration and shared the amazing work being done across the Granite State!


We’re excited to announce our raffle winners:

  • Jessica T. from Noah's Ark Day Care
  • Erica B. from Belmont Early Learning Center
  • Tammy N. from Shooting Stars Learning Program


Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you for helping build strong foundations for children and families!

CCAoNH Professional Development Opportunities

View Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities Here

The Winter 2024-2025 Trainings At-A-Glance calendar is here! Explore upcoming opportunities to enhance your professional skills, including CPR/First Aid Training dates, Virtual Learning Community sessions, and the exciting launch of our Credential Challenge with supporting trainings.

View December Virtual Learning Communities (VLC) Topics Here
Register on NHCIS

Credential Challenge Starts Now!

We are excited to announce this year's Early Childhood Credential Challenge. The challenge begins December 1st, and applications must be submitted by February 28th. You can commit as a team with your program, or you can join as an individual.

 

When you join the credential challenge, a CCAoNH team member will be ready to guide you or your team through then entire application process. Credentials, prizes and awards will be handed out at the Annual Celebration of NH Early Childhood Professionals this spring. 

 

Want to learn more? Contact our Training & TA Specialists today!

603-578-1386, Ext. 2526 or 2532 or by email, ccrrta@caphr.org


Join us for professional development trainings on Credential Guidance: Why and How to Join the Credential Challenge and Creating a Professional Development Plan Using NH Workforce Competencies. Visit NHCIS for details and registration.

Team Commitment Form
Individual Commitment Form
View the Flyer
 Register on NHCIS

The Successful Teacher Cohort Launching in January

Child Care Aware of NH invites you to a unique cohort experience designed to help new and upcoming teachers build confidence, enhance teaching skills, and thrive in their careers. Learn valuable strategies to deliver high-quality care while fostering young children's growth and development.


Why Join?

  • Gain practical insights tailored for new and upcoming teachers.
  • Build a supportive community of peers.
  • Commit to a 6-session journey of continuous growth and professional success.


Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!

View the Flyer
 Register on NHCIS

CPR/First Aid Trainings! New Dates Added

Registration is now open for the CPR/First Aid Training on Saturday, January 18th, in Claremont, NH, through NHCIS. If you need this training, don't wait—spots are limited. Please remember to withdraw if you’re unable to attend.

View the Flyer
Register on NHCIS

Other Early Childhood News And Updates

TEACH NH Early Childhood Scholarship Program is Accepting Applications

View the Flyer

The TEACH NH Early Childhood Scholarship Program is currently accepting applications


The TEACH program works with all 7 NH community colleges and UNH-College of Professional Studies to support early childhood educators as they take courses in early childhood education, and also general education requirements for an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. 


Scholarship recipients are responsible for only 5% of their tuition. This is a great opportunity to further your education and early childhood credentials.  


Don't miss out, apply now to start in January 2025.

For more information, contact teachnh@caphr.org or visit NH Connections.

The State Early Learning Alliance (SELA)

Health Care Benefit Options for the New Year

You and your children may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid, CHIP, or through the Health Insurance Market Place.


Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Coverage from the ACA Marketplace is Nov 1 to Jan 15. NH Navigators through the Foundation for Healthy Communities offer FREE help to figure out your insurance options! To see if you are eligible, call 1-877-211-NAVI or (603) 415-4256 or go to https://acanavigator.com/nh/home


Telehealth through SELA

SELA’s Telehealth is a helpful supplement to health insurance coverage – NO Co-Pays when you use it!

Telemedicine can be an affordable supplement to health insurance, especially for plans with a high deductible, because there’s no co-pays for you and your family members when you use it.

 

Docs by Phone, the Telemedicine program on the SELA Platform offers 24/7/365 access to board certified doctors by phone, video, or mobile app. Over 70% of medical visits can be expertly handled by telehealth. 

 

It only costs $9 a month with NO Copays and discounts on prescriptions are available. This includes your family members at no extra cost.

To learn more, log into or register for free on the SELA Platform at www.selanhmembers.com. You will receive approval of your registration within one business day. Once you log in begin with the START HERE tab.

SELA NH

QUESTIONS? Email sela@earlylearningnh.org or schedule a half hour Zoom with us using this link https://calendly.com/jcowell-2/30min?month=2022-11

Child Care Aware of NH is a statewide Child Care Resource and Referral Program of Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties. The preparation of this document 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. 

Facebook  YouTube