Build on What You Already Know
 

At Children’s Institute we believe that professional development should reflect your needs, be grounded in evidence-based practices, and build on what you already know.

We offer several options and can work with you to provide a solution that fits your unique needs. Click on the arrows below to find some offerings and content available. 

Interested in PD opportunities for yourself or your organization? Please contact: Krista Nicolaisen, NYS Training T-TAP Professional Development Specialist and Coach - (585) 295-1000, ext. 241 or knicolaisen@childrensinstitute.net
 

OCFS Approved Trainings

Our NYS T-TAP Professional Development Specialist offers high-quality training designed to meet the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requirements for licensed child care programs. Previous professional development sessions have covered topics such as Building Relationships, Adult-Child Interactions, Effective Supervision, and Understanding ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) & Building Resiliency.

These sessions are tailored to support staff development and enhance program quality. Customized training options are also available to meet the unique needs of your team.

The Growing Brain

How babies’ brains grow in the context of relationships is one of the most important topics in early childhood development. Research on this topic is exploding, underscoring the need for early childhood professionals to learn about foundations of brain development and strategies to best support the growing brains of infants and young children. This series supports participants’ exploration of key concepts, research, and concrete strategies from ZERO TO THREE’s The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old curriculum. 

Our certified trainer will expertly facilitate the Growing Brain series, providing participants with in-depth knowledge and practical strategies to support healthy brain development in young children.

Stage of Change

The Stage of Change Approach to Professional Development is a model that addresses personal and organizational change by offering strategies matched to the learner’s stage of “readiness to change.” The Stage of Change Approach incorporates cutting-edge theory and research, drawing on the

Transtheoretical Model of Change, Self-Determination Theory, and Attachment Theory, and using proven communication models such as Motivational Interviewing, Nonviolent Communication, and group processes.

Classroom Observation Training Opportunities

ERS Reliability Training

The reliability training uses the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-3), Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS-3) or the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3). Participants will receive advanced in-house training on the specific ERS tool and guided practice conducting assessments in child care settings. Comprehensive debriefing will follow each practice assessment, led by experienced group leaders.

One-on-One Coaching

Our NYS T-TAP Coach offers personalized one-on-one coaching for educators, designed to enhance both skills and knowledge in a focused, supportive environment. These coaching sessions are fully customizable, with the specific content and goals determined collaboratively between the coach and the participant. Furthermore, these sessions may be eligible for OCFS credit, providing additional professional development recognition.

EIP Funding

Scholarship funding to participate in this training may be available through the (Educational Incentive Program (EIP))/Medication Administration Training (MAT). For more information or to apply for a scholarship, please visit www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu. You may also contact EIP/MAT by email at eip@albany.edu, MAT by email at mat@albany.edu or by phone at either (800) 295-9616 or (518) 442-6675.