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State University of New York, Minerva logo State University of New York, Minerva logo Professional Development Program Rockefeller College University at Albany State University of New York

Early Childhood Education and Training Program

e-Learning trainings are a convenient way for all child care providers in New York State to meet their required training hours at no cost.

Funding is available to help child care providers obtain professional development and education, to help facilities offset the cost of MAT training.

Virtual Classes offer interactive online training on early childhood education topics. Classes are instructor-led and feature video, interactive discussion, activities and resources. Classes can be taken on a desktop computer, smart phone, tablet or other device.

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Jul 22, 2024

National Moon Day. 

On July 20, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and 'Buzz' Aldrin landed on the moon.

Here are some ideas for ways you can celebrate this momentous occasion in your program:

  • Dramatic Play Area: Create a spaceship out of a large cardboard box, use backpacks as jet packs, make moon rocks out of aluminum foil crumpled up into different size balls, have different tools like magnifying glasses, tape measures and scales so children can conduct scientific research.
  • Book Area: Fill your bookshelf with books about the moon. Some suggestions include Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Kitten's First Full Moon by Keving Henkes, Moon Bear by Frank Asch, Molly on the Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal, Max and the Tag-along Moon by Floyd Cooper and The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons.
  • Science Area: Discuss the different phases of the moon, use small white paper plates that children cut into the different shapes of the moon at different phases. You can use these cutouts to make a collage or book.
  • Art Area: Have children paint or draw pictures of the moon or what they think they would see if they were looking out the window of a spaceship that just landed on the moon.
  • Large Motor Area: Talk about gravity and what it would be like to move through space where there is no gravity. Have children pretend to float or move slowly through the atmosphere.

Happy space exploration!


Jul 15, 2024

Summer Swim Safety. 

According to the CDC, "Drowning is a leading cause of death for children. Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. It can happen to anyone, any time there is access to water. This includes pools and lakes, and also smaller water bodies like bathtubs and water-filled buckets." The healthychildren.org website features an article titled "5 Water Safety Tips for Kids of All Ages."

  1. Protect your newborn baby from water hazards around the home- NEVER leave young children alone or in the care of another child near bathtubs, pools, spas, wading pools, irrigation ditches, ponds or other standing water.
  2. Protect your curious toddler- stay within arm's reach at all times whenever you're around water.
  3. Start swimming lessons early- talk to families about the importance of swim lessons being a first step toward water safety. Encourage them to speak to their family medical provider to find out when it's developmentally appropriate for their child to begin swim lessons.
  4. Help your teen be water smart- when it comes to water safety, be a good role model.
  5. Make safety a priority if you own a swimming pool- be sure to have the proper fencing surrounding the pool.

And be sure to visit the New York State Child Day Care Regulations for your modality of care to be sure you are following all requirements regarding pool use and water safety.


Jul 08, 2024

July 8- Virtual Class Q3 Registration Open. 

Having a positive working relationship with your regulator and other OCFS staff is a cornerstone of operating a successful child care program. That's why our next couple of virtual class offerings will provide you with tips on how to establish these relationships from the start, how to keep them positive and ideas for what you can do if they get off track. All classes offer 1.5 training credit hours in OCFS approved training topics. Visit the ECETP website to register. We look forward to seeing you there!


Jul 08, 2024

Inscripciones abiertas para la clase virtual del 8 de julio. 

Tener una relación de trabajo positiva con su regulador y otro personal de la OCFS es una piedra angular para operar un programa de cuidado infantil exitoso. Es por eso que nuestro próximo par de ofertas de clases virtuales le brindarán consejos sobre cómo establecer estas relaciones desde el principio, cómo mantenerlas positivas e ideas sobre lo que puede hacer si se desvían del camino. Todas las clases ofrecen una hora y media (1.5) de crédito de capacitación en temas de capacitación aprobados por la OCFS. Visite el sitio web del ECETP para registrarse. ¡Esperamos verlo ahí!


Jul 01, 2024

El curso eLearning "Educación antisesgo en la primera infancia" se encuentra ahora disponible en español. 

Durante este curso completamente narrado, los aprendices recibirán información sobre cómo examinar o volver a examinar su programa de cuidado infantil a fin de identificar oportunidades para crear cambios con respecto a los materiales, las actividades y los currículos antisesgo.

Este curso imparte una hora y media (1.5) de capacitación en los siguientes temas de capacitación de la OCFS:

  • Principios de desarrollo de la niñez, enfocándose en las etapas de desarrollo de todos los grupos de edad a los que el programa proporcione cuidado
  • Desarrollo de un programa de cuidado infantil

Inscríbase hoy.


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For Providers

OCFS Reviewed Distance Learning Courses

Distance Learning Options

Distance Learning (e-Learning) Courses

This video describes how to use the OCFS Reviewed Distance Learning Courses page, clarifies what courses count for training credit and which ones do not, and tells how to determine when a distance learning course can be used by providers to help them fulfill their required training hours.


The New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Bureau of Training offers FREE 24/7 online Mandated Reporter Training in Child Abuse and Neglect/Maltreatment Identification.

Read about the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Download: Medication Administration Training (MAT) brochure (PDF format)

Go to our for providers page for more resources!

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