Early Childhood Educators

Through our Pre-K for All, 3-K for All, and EarlyLearn programs, the Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE) is committed to providing high-quality early childhood care and education that gives all children a strong start in school and life. As educators, you are the foundation of early childhood care and education in New York City, and play a critical role in ensuring that all children and families are on a path to lifelong success. Working together, we will strengthen and expand early learning opportunities as we continue to create a unified birth-to-five system of early care and education programs.

Our Vision for Quality

As of July 2019, the NYC Department of Education's early childhood system includes programs serving children from six weeks to five years old. In order to account for all ages and program types, the Early Childhood Framework for Quality (EFQ) has replaced the Program Quality Standards (PQS) as of fall 2019. The EFQ describes DECE's shared vision for high-quality early childhood programs in New York City and serves as the foundation for all program quality supports, including on-site supports and professional learning. The Framework guides practices of program leadership and teaching teams to advance positive outcomes for all children and families. These practices are the means for children to gain the knowledge and skills outlined in the Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core (PKFCC).

Resources to support in the use of and training in the EFQ can be found on the Operations and Policy - Supporting a High-Quality Environment section. 

Contact Us

Have a question? Contact the DECE at EarlyChildhood@schools.nyc.gov.