Here are some recent articles of interest to all of us concerned about children: 

• Susan Ochshorn asks, "To B.A. or Not to B.A.: The Conversation Continues," in ECE Policy Matters.
• Dana Friedman's latest blog talks about the talking twins sensation. Dana also suggests to parents that they "Take the Screen-Free Challenge" on pages 65-66 of the April/May edition of Long Island Parent.
• Play Again gives us a new video on the importance of children being outdoors.
• The Park Slope Childhood Collective is conducting a search for an executive director. The deadline for applications is April 18.

The field test for QUALITYstarsNY has been completed and Long Island had the most programs participating (33). The study found that programs were generally positive about this new system, although they hoped to see some changes, e.g. new scoring on the standards to give more weight for learning environments and family engagement, and reduction of documents needed to substantiate points. There was some surprise as to the low number of providers who are familiar with the Environmental Rating Scale which accounts for 14 out of 100 points in New York State, and which all state quality ratings systems use. (Watch a video on QUALITYstarsNY)

EYI 's Early Development Instrument (EDI) Leadership Team met again in March (photo) to discuss next steps in using the school-readiness assessment tool. EYI and leaders from the Westbury community plan to take EDI data and make meaningful changes for young children -- and the communities where they live.

The national Committee for Economic Development came to Long Island on April 7 for "It's Our Business," a forum which introduced the business community to the impact of the early years on the local economy. Speakers included EYI President Dana Friedman and Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, who talked about his epiphany regarding the importance of early education.

EYI President Dana Friedman arranged for and emceed an appearance by author and commentator Lenore Skenazy (photo, r.), "America's Worst Mom," at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington on April 6. Skenazy will star in an upcoming reality television series "The Parent Question" where she'll be counseling overprotective parents on letting go. Her Long Island appearance was taped for the show.