The Council provides the leadership to promote a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable early childhood system The focus of Spark NH is expectant parents as well as children from birth through grade 3 and their families A public/private partnership with a vision that all New Hampshire children and their families are healthy, learning and thriving now and in the future
ECCS Launch ECCS Plan Congress mandates state ECACs Early Childhood Systems Building Stakeholder Meetings Planning for an ECAC Council ECAC Steering Committee Launch Spark NH New Hampshire’s Early Childhood Systems Building Timeline
Early Learning & Development Health Family Leadership & Support State Early Childhood Development System Early care and education opportunities in nurturing environments where children can learn what they need to succeed in school and life. Economic and parenting supports to ensure children have nurturing and stable relationships with caring adults. Comprehensive health services that meet children’s vision, hearing, nutrition, behavioral, and oral health as well as medical health needs.
Communications and Public Awareness Committee Builds public awareness of and commitment to early childhood Presentations: “Children: The Bedrock of the Granite State” Banners and Brochures
Policy Committee Implementation of the NH Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Policy Scan of state and national early childhood best practices Policy Recommendations
Quality of Early Childhood Programs and Services Committee Develop and promote a shared, cross-sector definition of quality Reviews and revises quality standards of early childhood programs – cross sectors Ensures access and coordination and collaboration among programs to identify and meet family needs
Early Childhood Data System Committee Facilitates the development and implementation of an integrated, cross- sector data system that connects DHHS early childhood data to the NH DOE’s longitudinal data system Periodic state needs assessment
Workforce and Professional Development Committee Develops recommendations and implementation plans to enhance NH’s early childhood workforce Building cross sector, comprehensive professional development system Build investment and commitment to EC professional development
Spark NH Highlights: Led the creation of the New Hampshire Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Created a research-based public awareness campaign promoting awareness of the importance of early childhood development Created an online portal that allows early childhood professionals to find professional development and job opportunities Created a blueprint for early childhood data integration in New Hampshire
sparknh.org