Bank Street Education Center and NYC Public Schools Collaborate to Enhance Early Childhood Education
This spring, the Bank Street Education Center launched a collaborative initiative with the New York City Public Schools Division of Early Childhood Education (NYCPS-DECE) aimed at bolstering early childhood education throughout the city. This innovative program offers a series of professional learning opportunities tailored for leadership coaches, instructional coordinators, social workers, and inclusion specialists, all with a common goal: to enhance the quality of early childhood programs across New York City.
Facilitated by experts from Bank Street, the initiative focuses on key aspects of child and adult development. Participants engage in training that equips them with vital coaching skills and strategies that aim to promote not only academic growth but also emotional well-being for both children and adults within educational settings. Emphasis is placed on nurturing reflective practices and fostering meaningful partnerships with families, underscoring the importance of community in early education.
Milenis Gonzalez, the Interim Executive Director of Early Childhood at Bank Street Education Center, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Bank Street is proud to provide meaningful professional learning experiences that deepen the expertise of specialists across New York City’s early learning settings. We look forward to seeing participants apply their learning to enrich teaching and learning for our youngest learners throughout the city.”
The structure of the program is informed by a staff survey conducted by DECE, ensuring that the content aligns with the interests and needs of participants. The focus areas include Adult Learning, Role-Specific Professional Learning, Modules on Executive Functioning and Sensory Processing, Family Engagement, and Strategic Planning.
Within the Adult Learning segment, DECE staff participated in multiple in-person sessions designed to explore the principles of adult learning and their application in professional development for educators. Feedback from participants reflects the effectiveness of these sessions, with one attendee emphasizing their appreciation for the practical strategies and collaborative atmosphere.
Role-Specific workshops were tailored to address the distinct responsibilities of various professionals, offering sessions such as “Trauma-Informed Leadership” for coaches and specialists, alongside programs focused on coaching strategies for instructional coordinators. Another aspect of the learning experience included dedicated workshops led by the Bank Street Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice, specifically aimed at equipping social workers and inclusion specialists with the skills necessary to support the emotional health and resilience of children.
Additional training modules introduced participants to critical developmental concepts such as executive functioning and sensory processing, which are essential for understanding the learning processes of young children. Family Engagement sessions also provided instructional coordinators and inclusion specialists with an array of strategies for fostering robust relationships with families, a crucial component of a successful educational framework