The early childhood profession in New York recently lost a visionary leader whose work helped shape how we define, measure, and support quality in programs serving young children. Anne Walsh Mitchell, who died on January 31, 2026, at the age of 75, was instrumental in the creation of QUALITYstarsNY, New York State’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for early childhood programs. Her passing marks the loss of a formidable intellect, a pragmatic strategist, and a generous mentor whose impact continues to guide our work today.
Anne helped design the very first iteration of QUALITYstarsNY, working collaboratively with partners across the state to build the framework, mobilize shared intention, and establish the standards that would underpin the system. In fact, she gave QUALITYstarsNY its name — a reflection of her ability to pair big vision with practical execution.
Her leadership was particularly evident in the field-testing phase that preceded the launch of QUALITYstarsNY. New York was the only state to have conducted a comprehensive field study of its QRIS design before implementation, an approach that demonstrated thoughtful stewardship of public funds and a serious commitment to getting the work right. Anne consulted on this study and played a critical role in supporting its success, ensuring that the system was both conceptually sound and operationally feasible.
“Anne was one of the early advocates for the notion of a quality rating and improvement system to provide states with the infrastructure to focus on what it takes to advance excellence in early childhood education,” remembers Sherry Cleary, the former executive director of the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute.
Before lending her expertise to New York, Anne had helped design quality rating systems in numerous states and was widely recognized as a leading authority on early childhood financing and policy. She brought a rare ability to translate complex ideas into practical frameworks that could guide real-world improvement across both center-based and family child care settings.
A testament to her insight is the durability of her work: much of what was originally designed for QUALITYstarsNY remains in place more than 15 years later. That kind of longevity speaks not only to technical expertise, but to foresight.
Throughout her career, Anne was known as a results-oriented leader who believed deeply that early childhood education matters and acted accordingly. She brought vision, energy, and intellectual rigor to a field that has not always had enough partners or champions. Colleagues valued her directness; she spoke plainly, encouraged deeper thinking, and helped people grapple with what it would truly mean to build a high-quality system in New York.
Just as significant as her policy achievements was her commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Anne advanced younger professionals, shared her knowledge freely, and modeled the kind of collaborative leadership that strengthens an entire field. Many who now guide early childhood systems carry forward her influence.
Her professional life was remarkably rich. Anne served as president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), held research and academic leadership roles at Bank Street College of Education, founded Early Childhood Policy Research, and advised states, legislatures, foundations, and universities. Yet those who knew her also saw how intentionally she cultivated a full personal life: one that included family, community service, creative pursuits, and deep friendships. She offered an important reminder that meaningful work and a balanced life can, and should, coexist.
Anne is survived by her life partner of nearly 46 years, Phillip Hershberger; her daughter, Amelia Mitchell Hershberger; and her grandson, Henry Irving Porter, along with extended family, friends, and countless colleagues. Her love for them was unwavering, just as her dedication to children never faltered.
As we reflect on Anne’s legacy, we see it not only in the systems she helped build, but in the spirit she infused into the work: guidance grounded in knowledge, collaboration strengthened by respect, and an unshakable belief that young children deserve excellence.
Her influence endures in QUALITYstarsNY, in the leaders she mentored, and in the stronger early childhood infrastructure that benefits families across New York State. Honoring Anne means continuing the work with the same seriousness of purpose she embodied — thinking deeply, acting pragmatically, and never losing sight of what is at stake for children.
Her life was defined by leadership, problem-solving, courage, and generosity. The field is better because of her, and her legacy will continue to shape it for years to come.
