Staff Qualifications

Staff qualifications are another indicator of a QUALITY PROGRAM. The following are some indicators of a QUALITY STAFF. Does your staff have:

• CPR & First Aid Certification
At least 1 person per classroom should have this qualification and only those who have it should treat a child in physical distress or with an injury.
• Education in Early Childhood
Do your lead teachers have degrees? Are they working on a degree ? In New Hampshire, Lead teachers must be at least 21 years of age and have at least 12 credit hours of early childhood education, including at least one 3 credit course in Human Growth and Development. Associate teachers must be at least 18 years of age and have at least 6 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. Do staff members have educational and goal plans written out? Staff members must have a minimum of 6 hours of workshop training per year. Lucky for you, your CCR&R has most workshops free of charge.
• 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 teaches 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 you 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 Professional Development System. This credential acknowledges a person’s education and experience in the field of early childhood. Having your credential not only shows parents you’re an Early Childhood Educational professional, but that you also take pride in your work and pat yourself on the back for you accomplishments.
• Criminal Record Check
This is the most important! Make sure to do them on everyone and review them as they get back to you. If one comes back with a criminal history, talk to the person and make staffing changes as needed immediately. • References
Get them from the applicant, check them and call them! No matter what, it is your responsibility to make sure your staff has good references BEFORE they work with young children.
• An enjoyment of working with children
Families want to know that staff members LOVE their job. Make sure breaks are taken when needed and keep open communication.
• Positive role modeling
Demonstrating positive interactions between children and adults is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a provider. Your role modeling will go a long way and make parent communication go smoothly.