Message from Deputy Chancellor Dr. Kara H. Ahmed

Dear Early Childhood Education Community,

The first several weeks of a new school year are an essential time for developing trusting relationships with and among children, their families, and staff, ensuring that all members of the school or program community feel a sense of belonging and investment in their collective success. 

I had the honor of visiting Heaven’s Tiny Tots East Tremont Childcare Development in the Bronx, where the spirit of community and collaboration was apparent from the moment I walked through the doors. This family-run and family-centered program, led by owner Tameka Silva, has gone to great lengths to ensure that all staff members feel supported and connected to each other. Utilizing classroom intervisitations, colleagues across the program’s community continuously engage in reflective practice and strengthen their instructional skills and practices, while building collegial relationships. Staff relationships go beyond the classroom, as Ms. Silva and her leadership team create intentional spaces and opportunities for colleagues to connect inside and outside of the workplace, contributing to a positive ripple effect on the interactions teachers have with children and their families. In turn, these strong relationships result in children and adults being more open to learning with and from one another. 

In District 27, led by Superintendent David Norment, teaching teams are fostering children's growing independence and helping them develop shared responsibility for their own classroom. This was highlighted at Principal Susan Settanni’s Pre-K Center, where children are engaged in conversations about classroom expectations. Using the strategy Big Rule, Little Rule, an intentional teaching experience from The Creative Curriculum, children are given ownership over their classroom community, thus strengthening their relationships with other children and adults. I had the opportunity to watch one teacher ask the children what should be done if a friend is crying, supporting them in solving social problems, nurturing social-emotional development, and creating a community of belonging for all. 

Watch the video below to see more examples of the great work happening in our early childhood programs and schools across the City, including some examples of the how programs and schools celebrated Dads Take Your Child to School Day – yet another way our early childhood community continues to create meaningful and caring relationships with children and their families! 

Thank you for your leadership, always. Enjoy today and enjoy the work.  

In Partnership, 

Kara H. Ahmed, Ed.D.

Deputy Chancellor, Early Childhood Education