 QualitystarsNY is gaining momentum. The ambitious field test of this quality rating system was funded by a public-private partnership. Thirteen communities across the state have recruited 255 programs to participate; 70% are child care centers, Head Start programs or pre-k programs, and the other 30% are family child care homes. Long Island had the most number of programs applying to participate and with 33 programs selected, is the region with the most programs in the field test. The results will be reported in the fall. In the meantime, the Quality Subcommittee of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee is beginning to deal with complex issues related to implementation, which is expected in 2012. -- Dana Friedman, Ed.D., President, The Early Years Institute |
"We Interrupt this Program: Playing and Learning in the Age of Hyper-Media," will take place at CA Technologies in Islandia on December 3. EYI is lining up experts on indoor play, outdoor play and the media, and we'll be joined by "The World's Worst Mom," Lenore Skenazy (photo, with son Jason), as keynote speaker. 
Clarissa Thomas (photo) of the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County is among 50 experts available through the EYI's searchable Speakers Bureau. The new service was featured in an article in June 25th's Long Island Business News. To search or join the Speakers Bureau 
There will be many hot button issues during the 2010 midterm elections, but Every Child Matters believes that children and families need to be made a priority. The group is sponsoring a contest that asks advocates to create a non-partisan video illustrating why children should be a major campaign issue. For contest rules 
The Long Island Index has announced its People's Choice Award to select the best idea among 23 finalists for its "Build a Better Burb" design competition. The contest focuses on a re-imagining of solutions to Long Island's challenges. You can review the top submissions and 
