The early years represent the most sensitive time for children’s growth and development, and the effects of this time persist throughout children’s academic careers and into adulthood. This makes ensuring the highest quality education for our youngest learners critical for their future. A high quality education begins with high quality teachers, which is why the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute (Institute) and the Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE) have partnered to support teachers as they seek New York State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2).

Attaining your NYS teacher certification has many benefits, including increasing your earning potential, opening additional career opportunities, strengthening your knowledge of early childhood development, developing your teaching skills, and building your confidence in the classroom.

The first step in determining your eligibility to receive support services is to complete the online self-assessment form. Once the Institute staff have reviewed your self-assessment, an advisor from the Institute will follow up to help you develop a clear plan of action, outlining your path to certification within 3 years of your hire date. 

Your certification support services may include:

  • Test prep and tutoring
  • Academic Advising
  • Study Plan Development & Monitoring
  • Career Counseling

Our form will remain open for submissions through November 30, 2016.  Submit your assessment form today!

If you have any questions, please contact the Institute’s Career Development Services Center at 718-254-7735 or email careeradvisor@earlychildhoodny.org. For general questions about teaching pre-K in New York City, email earlychildhood@schools.nyc.gov.