Creativity is something we talk about often in early childhood education — but it’s not always something teachers feel free to practice. For many educators, lesson planning can feel like a choice between following the plan and following the child. In play-based programs, that tension deserves a closer look.
In February 2026, Hunger Solutions New York hosted information sessions for QUALITYstarsNY participants to deepen best practices around food services and menu planning. Watch the information sessions and download the presentation slides to learn more about participating and maximizing your participation in CACFP.
Learn about our Western New York regional team! Read about how our Quality Improvement Specialist team in WNY partners with Help Me Grow Western New York to support participants in the area and get to know more about our Specialists in the region.
Discovery Schoolhouse, a science-based preschool located in Lake View, approaches early childhood education with a simple philosophy: learning is child’s play. Nestled in a wilderness setting, the school uses its natural surroundings as an extension of the classroom, encouraging children to explore, experiment, and discover through outdoor play.
Every year, Child and Family Services assists families experiencing challenges during the holiday season through their Adopt-a-Family Program. With the support of donors, wish lists with gifts and essentials for hundreds of people are fulfilled, allowing them to join in on holiday fun and create lasting memories with their loved ones. The Western New York regional team was honored to give back and make a meaningful difference for families in their community during the holiday season.
The QUALITYstarsNY team came together for our 2025 All-Staff Summit in Saratoga Springs, NY, where we spent three days focused on learning and connection. We explored valuable resources in the early childhood field, shared impactful stories and enjoyed fun activities!
Schenectady Day Nursery (SDN), a longtime QUALITYstarsNY participant, just held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate an expansion project that will increase access to high-quality early childhood education for families throughout Schenectady County, an area recognized as a child care desert due to its limited child care options.
Whether you are looking to increase your knowledge about a topic related to early childhood education, earn a degree or credential, or ensure you are meeting training-related requirements for your job, choosing high-quality professional development is an important step in increasing your knowledge, skills, and abilities which in turn have a valuable impact on your work with children. With a little help from available professional resources, you can ensure that the professional development you take part in is vetted for quality and helps you to meet your professional goals.
QUALITYstarsNY participants Yasmill Ledesma, education coordinator at Discovery Village, and Sandra Jenkins, teacher at St. Peter’s Child Care Center, Inc., were recently honored with the Child Care Council of Westchester Early Education Hall of Heroes award. This award recognizes early childhood professionals who invest significantly in the future of our youngest learners and their communities. Yasmill and Sandra talked with QUALITYstarsNY about what this award means to them, the lessons they have learned throughout their career and what they look forward to.
Jessica Dean of Jessica's Daycare in Monticello, NY is a participant, ambassador, and advocate of CACFP. As part of her work with the initiative, she understands the value of providing children with healthy and well-balanced meals. In her early childhood program, Jessica works with her children to grow various herbs, vegetables and fruits, which she uses to prepare colorful and nutritious meals.