Photos and Testimonials

Learning Environment Enhancements and Transformations

The spaces where children play and grow should be welcoming and engaging and encourage activities that foster learning and joy. Quality materials, furnishings and equipment play a key role in not only keeping children safe and healthy, but also promoting positive development. Check out some of the many ways in which programs have leveraged QUALITYstarsNY funding to transform their learning environments.

Hear from our Programs

Interested in what providers have to say about their collaboration with QUALITYstarsNY? Current participants share their experiences and insights by providing specific examples about how working with QUALITYstarsNY has improved the quality of their programs and the early learning experiences they offer to children and families.

"Perhaps the most important part of this process so far has been the collaboration with directors from other Early Childhood programs throughout the city. Each of us has a different perspective due to the peculiarities of the populations we serve. However, we share the same concerns ... Every director works long hours and has little contact with other professionals. I look forward to our monthly meetings. The opportunity for us to share ideas and do creative problem solving together helps us all."

Director of Early Childhood Services
Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo - Buffalo, NY

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Participant Videos & Interviews

Want more? Watch the following interviews with Maria Nogueira, Director at Treasure Island in Brooklyn, NY, about the benefits and opportunities her center has experienced through QUALITYstarsNY.

Questions:

  • Why did you want to participate in QUALITYstarsNY?
  • Why have you continued participating in QUALITYstarsNY?

Questions:

  • What was your experience with the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) Evaluation?
  • What was the outcome?
  • What have you changed about your practice as a result?

Film Credits: New York Work's for Children's videographer, Nikki Heyman