A Qualified Staff
Staff Qualifications
Staff qualifications are another indicator of a QUALITY PROGRAM. The following are some indicators of a QUALITY STAFF.
- CPR & First Aid Certification
During all operating hours, at least 1 person per 20 children must have CPR and First Aid Certifications and only those who have the certifications should treat a child in physical distress or with an injury.
- Education in Early Childhood
In New Hampshire, lead teachers in child care programs must be at least 21 years of age, have a minimum of 1,000 hours experience working with children in a licensed child care program and have at least 18 credit hours of early childhood education, including at least one 3 credit course in Human Growth and Development or have documentation on file with the CCLU that they weree qualified for the position of lead teacher before the current Child Care Licensing Rules were adopted. Associate teachers must be at least 18 years of age and have at least 9 hours of early childhood education, including at least one 3 credit course in Human Growth and Development. Child care assistants must be at least 16 years of age and must work under the consistent and direct supervision of someone who meets the qualifications of an associate teacher. Staff members should have educational and goal plans written out. They must have a minimum of 12 hours of workshop training per year as of July 1, 2010 and must be working on 18 hours/year starting July 1, 2011. Please see the Child Care Licensing Rules for a complete listing of the requirements for staff qualifications and professional development.
- Experience working with children
Understanding that we all have to start somewhere, this may not be universally applied, but even most child care assistants have some experience babysitting or otherwise interacting with children. The important thing to begin learning is appropriate care and expectations of children. Associate teachers and Lead teachers should have increasing experience in working with children and apply their knowledge to increase their skill as teachers and care providers.
- A Credential
A credential shows that child care providers have a specific body of knowledge on a particular subject or in a particular field. Any Early Care and Education professional in NH is eligible to earn a credential through the NH Early Childhood or Afterschool Professional Development System. These credentials acknowledge a person’s education and experience in the field of early childhood or afterschool care and education. Having a credential not only shows families that providers are Early Childhood Educational professionals, but that they also take pride in their work and recognize their accomplishments.
- Criminal Record Check
This is the most important! All early childhood program staff are required to have a criminal record check and fingerprints. Information about the background checks is available through the NH Child Care Licensing Unit.
- An enjoyment of working with children
Families want to know that staff members LOVE their job. Child care providers should take care of themselves so they are better able to provide quality care.
- Positive role modeling
Demonstrating positive interactions between children and adults is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a provider.
