Guide for Consumers

Welcome to the New York State Early Childhood Trainers' Registry. With demands for greater accountability, higher achievement, and increased quality control in early care and education, access to high-quality professional development opportunities has never been more essential. We know that the responsibility of selecting the best professional development for your staff is an awesome task. We trust you’ll find this registry helpful. The site provides a list of trainers across the state who have elected to make information more readily available about their training services.

While the NYS Office of Children and Family Services supports the creation of a NYS Trainer’s Credential, which will validate the education and experience of trainers, such a credential does not yet exist. It is therefore important that you do your homework, that you ask all the right questions to ensure that the trainer you select meets the needs of your organization and the children and families you serve. Your to-do list should include the following:

• Evaluate the needs of your organization.
• Review the trainer’s previous experience and consult at least two references. (These references should be from different entities who have employed the individual for services similar to those that you are seeking.)
• Screen trainers statements for validity
• Confirm licenses and/or certificates by contacting the issuing agency
• Request an outline of the trainer’s proposed work.
• Create an agreement that specifies all the details of the arrangement, including date, time, location of training, materials needed, and the time you expect the trainer to arrive.

Access the registry. Should you require technical assistance, please do not hesitate to call us at 646-344-7293.

Thank you for your interest as well as your support of New York’s efforts to create a comprehensive, coherent system of early childhood professional development that ensures the best outcomes for our youngest citizens and their families.