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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.

Latest News

Sep 22, 2026

OCFS Infant Walker Ban Reminder. 

Here at PDP, we know that staying on top of regulations while managing the daily joys and challenges of child care is no small task. Allow us to help you stay current and confident!

A quick reminder: OCFS recently issued a Dear Provider Letter with focus on new regulatory revisions that officially prohibit the use and presence of infant walkers in all child care programs (Social Services Law 390 o). Please take a moment to review the letter and ensure your program is in compliance.

Sometimes, when a new regulation takes effect, it's a great reminder to review your other safety practices. This is why we're excited to let you know about a professional development opportunity designed with you in mind. The Foundations in Health and Safety eLearning covers all the essential health and safety topics, from infectious disease control and safe sleep to allergy response, premises safety, CPR, and more. It's a great chance to step back, revisit your best practices, and walk away with fresh confidence in every area of children's safety—not just the ones that have changed.

Visit our website to register!


Sep 22, 2026

Recordatorio sobre la prohibición de andadores para bebés de OCFS. 

Aquí en PDP, sabemos que mantenerse al día con las regulaciones mientras se manejan las alegrías y desafíos diarios del cuidado infantil no es tarea fácil. ¡Permítenos ayudarle a mantenerse al día y con confianza!

Un recordatorio rápido: OCFS emitió recientemente una Carta a los proveedores enfocada en las nuevas revisiones regulatorias que prohíben oficialmente el uso y la presencia de andadores para bebés en todos los programas de cuidado infantil (Ley de Servicios Sociales 390-o). Por favor, tómese un momento para revisar la carta y asegurarse de que su programa esté en cumplimiento.

A veces, cuando entra en vigor una nueva regulación, es un buen recordatorio para revisar sus otras prácticas de seguridad. Por eso, nos emociona contarle sobre una oportunidad de desarrollo profesional diseñada pensando en sí. El curso en línea Aprendizaje a distancia sobre fundamentos de salud y seguridad cubre todos los temas esenciales de salud y seguridad, desde el control de enfermedades infecciosas y el sueño seguro hasta la respuesta a alergias, la seguridad de las instalaciones, RCP y mucho más. Es una gran oportunidad para dar un paso atrás, revisar sus mejores prácticas y salir con una nueva confianza en todas las áreas de la seguridad infantil, no solo en las que han cambiado.

¡Visite nuestra página web para registrarse!


Sep 16, 2026

National Literacy Month. 

As New York's early childhood educators, you know that nurturing young minds goes beyond keeping children safe—it's also about opening doors to language and a lifelong love of learning. You are inspiring the next generation of readers!

September is National Literacy Month, a perfect time to celebrate the power of words with the children in your care. Remember that every moment is an opportunity to build early language skills, whether it's sharing a favorite picture book, singing rhymes during circle time, or simply talking through your daily routine.

It's never too early to start reading to a child. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages shared reading from birth through at least kindergarten, and reading together strengthens caregiver relationships while promoting early brain development. Every provider has a hand in building the foundation for language and literacy. To explore tools and resources on early literacy, visit the AAP's Early Literacy page.


Sep 16, 2026

Mes Nacional de la Alfabetización. 

Como los educadores de la primera infancia de Nueva York, saben que nutrir las mentes jóvenes va más allá de mantener a los niños seguros: también se trata de abrirles puertas al lenguaje y a un amor por el aprendizaje que dure toda la vida. ¡Ustedes están inspirando a la próxima generación de lectores!

Septiembre es el Mes Nacional de la Alfabetización, un momento perfecto para celebrar el poder de las palabras con los niños bajo su cuidado. Recuerden que cada momento es una oportunidad para desarrollar habilidades lingüísticas tempranas, ya sea compartiendo un libro de imágenes favorito, cantando rimas durante la hora del círculo, o simplemente hablando sobre su rutina diaria.

Nunca es demasiado pronto para empezar a leerle a un niño. La Academia Americana de Pediatría recomienda la lectura compartida desde el nacimiento hasta al menos kindergarten, y leer juntos fortalece la relación con quienes cuidan al niño mientras fomenta el desarrollo temprano del cerebro. Todos los proveedores tienen un papel en la construcción de la base para el lenguaje y la alfabetización. Para explorar herramientas y recursos sobre alfabetización temprana, visiten la página de Alfabetización Temprana de la AAP.


Older News Items

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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IACET Accredited

International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)

The Professional Development Program is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUS for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes the quality of continuing education and training.