This website has been developed by the NYS Council on Children and Families Head Start Collaboration Project to support professional development and improve the quality of early childhood and school-age programs. It is designed to provide a one-stop source of information for those exploring careers in early childhood and school-age programs as well as those already working in the field and looking to advance in their careers. It also contains information that supports the efforts of program directors and others to improve the quality of their programs.
The Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) is pleased to announce the release of the following publications:
NEWS: CDA Renewal Amnesty ends on December 31, 2012
Please click here for more information.
Career Development Resource Guide
A one-stop source of information on careers and career planning in early childhood and school-age programs.
Core Body of Knowledge
A listing of the competencies that people working with children birth to age eight need to provide high quality services.
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Credential Programs
Information on programs that have been established to improve the competencies of people working with children and their families including: Children's Program Administrator Credential, NYS Early Learning Trainer Credential, Family Child Care Credential, Family Development Credential, Infant and Toddler Care and Education Credential, and the School-age Child Care Credential.
College and University Degree Programs and Training Resources
Easily searchable databases where you can find out information on degree programs related to early care and education available at colleges and universities in New York State, statewide training resources, and Credentialed early care and education trainers.
Comparison of Early Childhood Program Standards
A database that allows the user to obtain information on program quality by comparing five different sets of standards by topic area.
Innovative Community Early Care and Education Initiatives
A database providing information on innovative regional and community-based initiatives designed to improve the access and quality of supports and services for young children and their families.
QUALITYstarsNY
QUALITYstarsNY is a Quality Rating and Improvement System being developed by New York State for early care and education programs. The system, once implemented, will recognize, encourage and reward improving the quality of all settings in the state where children are learning every day. Click here for more information about QUALITYstarsNY.
PLEASE NOTE: QUALITYstarsNY is still in the planning phase.
Partner Links
A listing with links to the websites of several national and state organizations of interest to people in early childhood and school-age programs.