Participant Spotlight: Saida Dadi of Little Eagles Nest

QUALITYstarsNY sat down with Saida Dadi, Director of Little Eagles Nest

Saida Dadi is the founder and director of Little Eagles Nest in Ardsley, NY. She and her staff have been dedicated to maintaining a high standard of quality since they began participating in Start With Stars as a newly licensed program in 2022. Little Eagles Nest has since transitioned to being a QUALITYstarsNY program and received their first 4-Star Active Rating in May 2024! Specialist Miriam Kerness interviewed Saida about her professional transition into early childhood education and the impact that QUALITYstarsNY has had on her program.

How did you first enter the field of early childhood education?

My journey into the field of early childhood education began when I became a parent. I was deeply interested in understanding all aspects of early childhood development to ensure I could support my child’s growth in the best way possible. This interest intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic when I had to withdraw my 2-year-old daughter from daycare while caring for my newborn.

Being at home with my two little ones allowed me to closely observe and understand their needs and the challenges they faced in various day care settings. I identified several gaps and areas for improvement in the services provided. This personal experience, combined with my desire to offer the best for my children, inspired me to pursue professional development in the field.

Coincidentally, during the pandemic, we moved into a new home with ample space and a large backyard. This presented the perfect opportunity to set up our own daycare. We decided to get licensed and create a nurturing and supportive environment that met the high standards we envisioned for our children and others in the community.

As a program becoming licensed for the first time in 2021, what attracted you to the Start with Stars program?

Having obtained a PhD in biology and pursued a successful career as a scientist, leading a team in that field, I have always maintained very high standards. While transitioning to early childhood education, I couldn’t go back to school for a full degree in the field, but I diligently took numerous courses and classes to gain professional expertise.

When I heard about the Start with Stars program, I was thrilled by the opportunity it offered. The short-term, intensive support provided by the program was exactly what I needed to lay a strong foundation for my daycare. It guided me step by step to ensure that we met the highest standards right from the start. This support was invaluable in helping us achieve our goals and create a nurturing and high-quality environment for the children in our care.

How did participating in Start with Stars support you as a newly-licensed program?

Participating in the Start with Stars program was instrumental in establishing the foundational structure of our day care. It guided me in key areas such as family engagement, business operations, and creating a thriving and rich environment for the children. The program provided essential material support that met standard requirements and helped ensure accountability from the very beginning.

For someone like me, without prior experience in early childhood education, Start with Stars was an invaluable guide. It helped me define what our program needed to achieve the high level of quality I envisioned for the children and families we serve. Additionally, the program emphasized the importance of caring for our staff and offering them access to further education, enabling them to deepen their knowledge and expertise in the field.

Overall, Start with Stars was an amazing opportunity that allowed us to build a strong foundation and set our program on a path to success.

After participating in Start with Stars for 6 months, you transitioned to QUALITYstarsNY, and submitted the Standards Inventory. You obtained a 4-Star rating on this in your first rating cycle! Congratulations! What do you attribute your success to?

Thank you! Our success is primarily attributed to hard work, dedication, and a strong desire to offer something better and new in the field of early childhood education. From the beginning, we were committed to creating a high-quality program that met the needs of children, families, and staff.

Discipline played a crucial role in our journey. We meticulously followed the guidance and best practices provided by Start with Stars and QUALITYstarsNY, ensuring that every aspect of our program met the highest standards. Our team’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and excellence helped us achieve this significant milestone.

Overall, it was our passion for providing exceptional care and education that drove us to work diligently and achieve a 4-Star rating in our first cycle.

What impact has QUALITYstarsNY made on your program environment?

QUALITYstarsNY has had a significant impact on our program environment by guiding us in the right direction and ensuring we consider the specific aspects of quality care. Their comprehensive framework and the support of our Quality Improvement Specialist helped us create a structured and nurturing environment that meets high standards. By addressing key areas such as family engagement, business operations, and child development, QUALITYstarsNY has enabled us to provide a rich, supportive, and thriving environment for the children in our care.

How has QUALITYstarsNY impacted you as an early childhood professional, and what would you say to other Group Family or Family Child Care Programs who may be thinking of participating in QUALITYstarsNY?

As an early childhood professional, QUALITYstarsNY has profoundly impacted my approach and growth in this field. Their guidance has helped me focus on critical quality care questions, ensuring that our program continually improves and meets the highest standards. This journey has enhanced my understanding and skills, making me a more effective and knowledgeable provider.

To family child care or group family child care programs considering QUALITYstarsNY, I would say: seize this opportunity. The support and resources provided by QUALITYstarsNY are invaluable in building a strong foundation for your program. Their emphasis on quality and continuous improvement will help you offer exceptional care and education to the children and families you serve. Participating in QUALITYstarsNY is an investment in the future success of your program and your professional development.

Keep up the great work, Saida!