Early Childhood Education professionals and students gathered at the New Hampshire Community College in Berlin recently for the first annual Early Childhood Education Career and Professionals Day. Informational booths by CCSNH-Berlin, Granite State College, Child Care Resource and Referral, Licensing Plus, and Head Start were on display for those interested in pursuing a career in childcare. Patricia Finnigan-Allen, NHCTC Early Childhood Professor, opened the day by reading a proclamation given to the college by Governor Lynch declaring April 2nd - April 8th "Week of the Young Child." "It is wonderful that Governor Lynch understands and recognizes the needs of the Child Care program in NH" Finnigan-Allen stated.
Photo: Dr. Copland, Pat Finnigan-Allen, Susan Blair, and Judy Glenney
Finnigan-Allen also noted the significant changes recently taking place in the North Country child care programs, which she credits to the hard work done by the Child Development Bureau. Dr. Margaret Leitch Copeland, an administrator at the bureau, awarded credentials to several NHCTC students as well as faculty during the morning session. "This is the first time NH Early Childhood Education Credentials have been awarded here in the North Country," stated Finnigan-Allen. Naomi Going, a 2006 graduate of the NHCTC Early Childhood Education Program from Whitefield, NH, is now a credentialed Level One Associate Teacher, Jessica Roy, a 1998 graduate of the NHCTC Early Childhood education Program, is now a credentialed Level Two Director, Patricia Finnegan-Allen is now Level Three Trainer, Mentor, Faculty. Finnigan-Allen was also a recipient of the Mary Stuart Gile Award, an award which was created by the Division for Children, Youth, and Families in 2001 to honor Dr. Gile's leadership. The award is to be given annually to a group of people in recognition of their commitment to the next generation of early childhood professionals.
Dr Copeland also awarded Susan Blais, Child Care Director at NHCTC, the NH Child Development Bureau Quality Award. The Quality Award is given to child care and early education programs that have served families who are eligible to receive child scholarships through the Child Development Bureau. The amount of the award is determined by the number of children served but also by the standard of excellence maintained by the child care program, such as accreditation, licensing and overall program quality. "Having trained child care professional can and will impact the quality of our programs for young children. The credentialing system has documented exciting growth in our profession."
Krista Easton began the morning activities with an informative and fun session using music and drumming to teach preschool math and language concepts. Late morning informational sessions included "Professional development for Directors of Early Childhood Education Programs" and "Professionalism in Childcare." Noted Early Childhood Specialist, Scott Noyes conducted workshops entitled, "Successfully Working with Challenging Behaviors," and taught a variety of movement and gross motor activities that teachers can use in classrooms to teach language and math concepts.
"The early years of childhood are a period when development is rapid and complex and having highly qualified teachers will impact our community" says Finnigan-Allen.
5/8/2006