Nneoma Agunwa, Author at QUALITYstarsNY

“You Are Safe Here” – Calming the Amygdala So a Child Can Learn

The desire to keep oneself safe is perhaps the most basic of all instincts. It’s hard-wired in. The amygdala is the small structure in the brain responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression. It watches for anything that might be harmful. We’re familiar with our own amygdala, and may even appreciate it, as it comes in handy on a busy highway or if we sense danger anywhere. It helps us stay safe, as well as those we love and care for. But what about a child’s amygdala?

Nneoma Agunwa2025-07-29T10:50:59-04:00July 23rd, 2025|Professional Development|

Erica Doherty Joins QUALITYstarsNY as New Senior Director

Erica has worked in education for the last 20 years, starting as a Teach for America corps member and elementary school teacher in Baton Rouge. She worked in schools there and in Harlem for nine years—teaching, coaching, and supporting families in high-need communities. It was during this time that literacy and equity became the north stars in her career.

Nneoma Agunwa2026-02-06T10:32:42-05:00July 17th, 2025|QUALITYstarsNY Announcement|

QUALITYstarsNY Attends the NYS Head Start Association’s 60th Anniversary Celebration

We're still celebrating 60 years of Head Start's service to children and familes! Earlier this month, QUALITYstarsNY was proud to attend the New York State Head Start Association's (NYS [...]

Nneoma Agunwa2025-06-26T11:54:54-04:00June 26th, 2025|Spotlight|

Program Spotlight: Chautauqua Lake Central School and Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center

Chautauqua Lake Central School and Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center have both recently earned 4-Star Active Ratings! As committed participants since 2015 and 2016, these programs have consistently demonstrated [...]

Nneoma Agunwa2025-05-23T13:52:49-04:00May 15th, 2025|Spotlight|

Statewide Celebrations for Educator Appreciation Week and Provider Appreciation Day 2025

Educator Appreciation Week and Provider Appreciation Day are special opportunities to thank teachers, providers, and caregivers who nurture and guide young learners every day. From May 5-9, our participants and teams from every corner of New York State took part in celebrating early childhood educators through community events, uplifting words, appreciation dinners, and more!

Nneoma Agunwa2025-05-15T16:29:22-04:00May 12th, 2025|Spotlight|

QUALITYstarsNY Attends Empower Youth Success 2025

QUALITYstarsNY attended the 2025 Empower Youth Success event, hosted annually by the New York State Network for Youth Success in Albany, NY. The event offers a space for educators to network and engage in high-quality learning and development that supports New York’s youth. Over four days, attendees had the opportunity to participate in three conferences.

Nneoma Agunwa2026-02-14T16:49:45-05:00May 9th, 2025|Spotlight|

Why Put It in Writing: The Importance of Documenting Program Policies and Practices

One effective way to keep your program running smoothly is by documenting your policies and practices in writing. This is where family and employee handbooks come in. Well-written handbooks are essential to the success and quality of your program. They’re like instruction manuals, often answering questions before they’re even asked. Specialist Susan DiNatale explores the power of putting policies and practices in writing.

Nneoma Agunwa2025-08-28T15:38:39-04:00May 8th, 2025|Provider Resources|

The BAS Community Of Practice: A Year-Long Collaborative Project

QUALITYstarsNY and the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) collaborated to launch a year-long Business Administration Scale (BAS) Community of Practice (CoP) for family child care providers. The initiative aimed to connect QUALITYstarsNY participating family child care providers with free, tailored support to sustain and expand their business practices.

Nneoma Agunwa2026-02-14T16:53:34-05:00February 4th, 2025|Reports & Data, Professional Development|

Recordings Available: Learn How CACFP Can Help You Lower the Cost of Providing Healthy Meals

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded initiative that reimburses early childhood programs for serving healthy meals and snacks to children. Hunger Solutions New [...]

Nneoma Agunwa2025-04-29T13:02:57-04:00January 30th, 2025|Provider Resources|

Serve Healthy Meals at a Lower Cost with CACFP

We have all heard the saying “you are what you eat”. The food that fuels the body plays a role in physical health and mental well-being. Nutrition is critical to the growth and development of young children. For many families, putting healthy food on the table is not that simple. Food insecurity, access to wholesome meals, and cost can be barriers. Child care programs can reduce these barriers for children by participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Nneoma Agunwa2025-11-13T11:23:50-05:00November 22nd, 2024|Provider Resources|

About Nneoma Agunwa