Building Quality through Creativity

In October, QUALITYstarsNY’s Finger Lakes region Quality Improvement Specialists (QI Specialists) and participating programs gathered for a day that blended creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. The team partnered with Studio in a School in NYC to provide participants with an in-person training day that brought providers and educators together to explore the power of artistic expression—not only as a tool for teaching, but as a pathway for strengthening community and refreshing their own professional practice.

2025-11-17T14:01:09-05:00November 17th, 2025|Spotlight, Professional Development|
Read More

Making Music that Matters

Incorporating music into your program is a wonderful way to support children’s brain development and provide them with engaging learning opportunities across all domains. However, not all musical experiences are created equally. With the increased use of phones, tablets, TV’s and smart boards in early childhood classrooms as our children’s music and movement time, let’s take a minute to examine some high-quality ways to support children’s development and learning with music in our early childhood spaces.

2025-11-12T15:28:34-05:00November 12th, 2025|Provider Resources, Professional Development|
Read More

The Value of High-Quality Professional Development

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.

2025-10-15T09:25:21-04:00October 14th, 2025|Provider Resources, Professional Development|
Read More

Transitions & Brave Hearts: Easing Separation Anxiety in Early Childhood

As summer winds down, many families find themselves in a season of big transitions. Children may be moving into a new classroom, starting kindergarten, or attending daycare or preschool for the very first time. While these milestones are exciting steps forward, they can also stir up feelings of separation anxiety for both children and parents. As early childhood educators, it’s important to reassure families that separation anxiety is a normal part of child development, and with the right supports, children can build the confidence and security they need to thrive.

2025-08-28T15:45:47-04:00August 26th, 2025|Professional Development|
Read More

“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?

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

QUALITYstarsNY at the 2025 NYAEYC Annual Conference

Representatives from QUALITYstarsNY had a spectacular time at this year's New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC) annual conference. Our team enjoyed four days of leading and attending various sessions, connecting with our statewide partners, and meeting QUALITYstarsNY participants from across New York.

2025-04-30T11:11:21-04:00April 16th, 2025|Spotlight, Professional Development|
Read More

Apply for the QUALITYstarsNY Academic Scholarship for Fall 2025 Semester by June 7

The application for the QUALITYstarsNY Academic Scholarship for the fall 2025 semester is open April 1 - June 7, 2025. If you work in an early childhood program participating in QUALITYstarsNY and are pursuing an early childhood education degree or credit-bearing coursework, you may be eligible to apply for the scholarship!

2025-04-09T09:47:11-04:00April 7th, 2025|QUALITYstarsNY Announcement, Professional Development|
Read More
Go to Top