ACROSS NH
ACROSS NH is a project dedicated to supporting out of school time (OST) professionals in their work to create high quality, innovative programs for New Hampshire’s school age children.
What is ACROSS NH?
ACROSS NH is a dedicated project aimed at providing comprehensive support to out-of-school time (OST) professionals across New Hampshire. Our mission is to empower these professionals in their endeavor to create high-quality, innovative programs for school-age children beyond regular school hours. At ACROSS NH, we believe in the power of out of school time experiences to enrich children’s lives, foster their holistic development, and support families and communities. We are committed to ensuring that OST professionals have access to the resources, training, and networks they need to excel in their roles and make a positive impact on the lives of children throughout the state. Our approach is collaborative and inclusive, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including educators, program coordinators, policymakers, and community leaders. Through partnerships and shared expertise, we strive to elevate the quality and effectiveness of out of school time programming in New Hampshire. With a focus on innovation, best practices, and continuous improvement, ACROSS NH serves as a catalyst for positive change in the field of out of school time education. Together, we are building a brighter future for the children of New Hampshire, one enriching experience at a time.
How Can ACROSS NH Help?
The priorities of ACROSS NH revolve around supporting out-of-school time (OST) professionals in creating high-quality and innovative programs for school-age children in New Hampshire. This includes fostering an environment where these professionals have access to resources, training, and guidance to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their programs. Audience: The primary audience for ACROSS NH includes out of school time (OST) professionals, such as program coordinators, educators, and staff members who are involved in designing and implementing programs for school-age children. Additionally, this may extend to organizations and agencies involved in supporting or funding out of school time initiatives in New Hampshire.
We provide virtual and in-person trainings including fall and spring annual conferences as well as technical assistance through coaching, mentoring, and consultation that addresses social and emotional learning, program quality, leadership, Granite Steps for Quality, afterschool staff credentialing, out of school time basics and strengthening your business practices. Our work focuses on the National Afterschool Association’s 10 Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies, and our trainers and consultants all hold Afterschool Master Professional Credentials.
Benefits of Participation:
Participation in ACROSS NH offers numerous benefits for individuals and organizations. Professionals in the OST field can access a wealth of resources, including training materials, best practices, and networking opportunities, which can enhance their skills and knowledge. By engaging with ACROSS NH, organizations can strengthen their programs, improve outcomes for children, and contribute to the overall quality of out of school time experiences in New Hampshire. Additionally, participation may also lead to collaborations and partnerships that further enrich program offerings and support sustainability efforts.
Current Initiatives:
Storage Solutions
This year at ACROSS NH, we are dedicated to enhancing storage solutions throughout out-of-school time (OST) programs by eliminating funding barriers to purchase quality storage supplies. Our Storage Solutions project aimed to maximize productivity, enhance experiences, create ease of access, streamline organization, save time, and reduce stress for OST professionals and the children they serve. Any OST program, big or small, is eligible to apply as long as the program serves children ages 5-12.
So far, we have successfully supported 22 OST programs and positively impacted over 5,000 children. By providing essential storage solutions, we help create more efficient and enjoyable environments for both staff and students, fostering better learning and development opportunities.
For more information on how to apply for this opportunity for the 2024-2025 school year, please contact Sonjia Tainter, Support and Outreach Coordinator at [email protected].