Our Approach
The Professional Development Institute exists to strengthen the early childhood workforce and build systems that ensure every child in New York State has access to excellent early care and education.
Our approach is guided by research, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in supporting early childhood professionals.
How we work
We collaborate with partners across the early childhood field.
We leverage the expertise of policymakers, elected officials, community advocates, researchers, educators, caregivers and others who have a vested interest in early care and learning.
We work to develop tangible solutions to challenges.
When we identify or encounter barriers to high-quality early care and learning, we not only document and analyze their impact but develop and advocate for meaningful resolutions.
We acknowledge and support early childhood caregivers and educators as professionals.
The early childhood workforce is historically underpaid and lacks support. We work to provide caregivers and educators with access to the education and training they need and deserve.
We consistently refine and deepen our methods.
As educators and lifelong learners, we embrace feedback and apply innovative ideas to work toward positive change.
Our guiding principles
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Children deserve to spend their most formative years with caregivers who are educated and trained to work with young children.
We work to provide caregivers and educators with the education and professional learning they need to serve New York's youngest learners.
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High-quality early learning experiences contribute to lifelong positive outcomes.
We work to ensure New York's children and families have access to excellent early care and learning.
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Early childhood caregivers and educators are entitled to fair compensation and benefits.
We work to promote sustainable investments in New York's early childhood workforce and increased public recognition of early childhood professionals.
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New York's early childhood workforce should reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the communities it serves.
We work to expand access to higher education and career pathways in the early childhood field.