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Afterschool Credential Challenge 2024-2025

Have you been thinking about applying for your Afterschool Credential? Is it time for you to renew your current credential? Now is the time! Enter the ACROSS NH Afterschool Credential Challenge and get credentialed with support from ACROSS NH. Enter the challenge by January 15th to be entered into the raffle. Complete the 5 steps below and you may win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! All afterschool credential recipients will be celebrated at the ACROSS NH Spring Celebration and Convention on April 12, 2025 in Concord, NH.

5 Steps to Complete the Challenge:
 

  1. Complete and submit the “ACROSS NH Afterschool Credential Challenge Form” to chazelton@acrossnh.org.
     

  2. Receive Technical Assistance (TA) support from ACROSS NH in at least one of the following opportunities:

    • One-on-one assistance by Zoom or phone, or on site

    • Participation in a Credential Work or Info Session
       

  3. Have an account in the NH Connections Information System.
     

  4. Apply for an afterschool credential before March 1, 2025, by mailing your application to the BCDHSC:
    DHHS/DES/BCDHSC
    ATTN: Credentialing Specialist
    129 Pleasant Street
    Concord, NH 03301
     

  5. Receive an afterschool credential in the NH Afterschool Professional Development System.

 

If you have questions, please contact Cathy Hazelton, ACROSS NH Assistant Director, at chazelton@acrossnh.org. ACROSS NH is here to support you!

Afterschool Credential

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. 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 (PAs)

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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.

NH Afterschool Professional Development System

The New Hampshire Afterschool Professional Development System (NHAPDS) is designed to recognize the education, experience, skills and talents of administrators, directors, and staff in out of school time (OST) programs. It also is intended to support the ongoing professional development of OST professionals, particularly given the strong link of staff development to higher quality programs and positive youth outcomes. 

The Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration of DHHS/DES is happy to announce that all early childhood and afterschool credential applications can now be submitted online through your New Hampshire Connections information System (NHCIS) portal. All supporting documentation needs to be submitted in order for the application to be reviewed.

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

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Professional Activity Matrix

Work Verification Letter

Program Professional Development Plan

Individual Professional Development Plan

Self-Study Template

Transcript Request Form

Afterschool Credential Support 

Afterschool Credential Information Session

This 1 hour virtual training will list the steps and process of applying for an Afterschool Credential. We will explore the credential options, requirements, and necessary forms you need to get started. Register in NHCIS

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Afterschool Credential Work Session

This credential work session training is provided on site by request. Please email Cathy Hazelton, Assistant Director, at chazelton@acrossnh.org to request a work session for your staff. This training is a hands on session to assist you and your staff to organize and apply for an Afterschool Credential. Participants will be asked to have ready the following documents ready:

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  • A printed copy of the NH Afterschool Credential Application

  • Official High School or College transcript to document highest education level achieved. The official transcript can be emailed to: credentialme@dhhs.nh.gov.

  • Documentation of your work history in afterschool, including verification letters from employers

  • A printed copy of your Training Transcript from your NHCIS account for the last three (3) years and all other professional development including first aid and CPR

  • An up to date resume

  • Documentation of your Professional Activities (PAs) for the last three (3) years

  • Submit your application and all documentation online in your New Hampshire Connections information System (NHCIS) portal or

  • Or credential applications can be mailed to: 
    DHHS/DES/BCDHSC
    ATTN: Credentialing Specialist
    129 Pleasant Street
    Concord, NH 03301

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