Remembering Dr. Paulette Coppin | |
The Office of Early Learning is mourning the loss of Dr. Paulette Coppin, our colleague who was a Supervisor in the Brooklyn Office. Dr. Coppin’s incredible dedication to students and education has left a lasting impact on the State of New York. Working with Paulette, it was clear how dedicated she was to ensuring high-quality and equitable educational experiences for all students. Most recently, Paulette played a leading role in the statewide effort to ensure all students receive research-based reading instruction, and helped shape our office’s guidance around cultural education, an area that was close to her.
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Paulette had a passion for music and singing, training at the Brooklyn Music School and performing at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. Anyone who heard her voice could recognize her incredible musical talent as well as her passion for sharing that music with others. She held a Master of Arts from Teachers College and a Doctorate from Fordham University.
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Paulette started at the NYS Education Department in 2006, first working in the Office of School Improvement and Community Services, the Office of Accountability, and for the past three years, the Office of Early Learning at the Hanson Place office. In addition to her work at the Department, Paulette also trained and guided new teachers at Brooklyn College and Medgar Evers College. She had an amazing positive presence, one that filled the room with happiness and a deep sense of caring for others. Whether presenting at a conference, leading a webinar, or visiting a school for a visit, Paulette made an impression that was lasting—and her ability to bring out the best in others was a clear talent.
| Our team misses our friend and colleague and wants to express our condolences to the Coppin family. | | |
Office of Early Learning Presentations in the Field
The Office of Early Learning (OEL) was excited over the last month to participate in several presentations to the field. Presentations to share resources from the Office of Early Learning were given at the QUALITYstarsNY conference in Saratoga and the WSHWE BOCES. In collaboration with the DEI Office, OEL was able to present for Questar III BOCES on Culture and Language in PreK.
Finally, at the 41st Annual Religious and Independent School Educator (RISE) Conference in November, associates from the Office of Early Learning presented on UPK collaboration and were available to answer questions and share resources.
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Connecting Families with Local Food Assistance
Districts are encouraged to frequently share information about local food assistance resources with families to help address food insecurity within the school community. Schools should ensure that families are aware of nearby food banks and consider forming partnerships with local food banks if they have not already done so.
A helpful online tool to share with families is the "Find Your Local Food Bank" online search tool from Feeding America, which allows users to locate food banks by ZIP code. Districts can strengthen outreach by providing printed materials for students to take home, as well. By regularly communicating these resources through multiple channels, schools can help ensure that all families have access to the food assistance they need.
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Transitioning from Prekindergarten to Kindergarten
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
3:00-4:00pm
Transitioning from Prekindergarten (PreK) to Kindergarten is a critical step in a child's education. The early childhood years are full of new experiences, opportunities and expectations for children and families. Early childhood educators and program leaders play a significant role in facilitating the transition of students from PreK to Kindergarten. In this webinar you will explore NYSED OEL resources and hear from school districts and CBOs on transition best practices.
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Learning Centers for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
3:00-4:00pm
This session will provide educators with practical strategies to design, implement, and refine learning centers that align with NYS standards, district curriculum, and developmental best practices. Participants will explore Prekindergarten and Kindergarten learning centers in depth, including blocks, dramatic play, literacy, math/manipulatives, science, sensory, writing, and more. Each center will be presented with specific activity ideas and differentiation strategies to support students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs). The webinar will also highlight how learning centers can be integrated seamlessly into the daily schedule while fostering equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive environments. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to create dynamic spaces that not only engage young learners but also drive progress toward academic, social, and emotional goals.
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Cultural Connections: A Framework and Resource Kit for P-3 Learning Webinar Recording Now Available
On November 12th, 2025, staff from the Office of Early Learning and the Office of Cultural Education presented on the P-3 Cultural Connections Framework and Resource Kit. This resource is designed to help educators bring experiential learning into early childhood classrooms and connect students with cultural opportunities through field trips, virtual visits, traveling programs, grant opportunities, and more.
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Classroom Highlight:
Rensselaer City School District
In Rensselaer CSD, Mrs. Kerr’s third-grade class recently teamed up with Mrs. Mahar’s Foods for Life class, a class where students learn essential cooking skills, nutrition basics, and how to prepare healthy meals for everyday living. Students worked together on a festive Halloween cookie-decorating activity that combined creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. The third graders learned how to roll out dough and use cookie cutters to make fun, seasonal shapes, while the high school students prepared cookies and guided them through the decorating process.
This sweet partnership gave younger students the opportunity to practice fine motor skills and follow step-by-step instructions, while older students took on mentoring roles—modeling patience, teamwork, and leadership. The activity not only celebrated the spirit of Halloween, but also highlighted the power of cross-grade collaboration to build community and create joyful, memorable learning experiences.
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PBS Learning Media "I Feel" Series
I Feel is a collection of videos from PBS Learning Media that supports children ages 3-8 in building emotional awareness. In each segment, children name an emotion, and an expert defines it using simple, age-appropriate language. Kids learn to identify, describe, and understand their feelings, helping them develop tools for healthy emotional growth. Check out the I Feel series on PBS Learning Media here.
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Special Education in NYS for Preschool and School-Age Students with Disabilities: A Parent's Guide from the Office of Special Education
To ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, there are essential and fundamental procedural rights and protections afforded to parents by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Article 89 of the New York State (NYS) Education Law and Part 200 of the NYS Commissioner’s Regulations.
The 2025 Special Education in New York State for Preschool and School-Age Students with Disabilities: A Parent’s Guide is intended to provide parents and persons with parental relationship with:
- a broad overview of the special education process in NYS; and
- a resource to help understand some of the rights and protections provided by federal and New York State law and regulations to parents and students throughout the process.
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Questions?
The Office of Early Learning provides technical assistance to districts regarding Prekindergarten - Grade 3 instruction and best practices. Our office also answers questions regarding UPK funding and program implementation. You can contact us at oel@nysed.gov or (518) 474-5807.
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Erik Sweet, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning
Lori Smart, Director
Tanya Amodio-Kovacs, Supervisor
Vicky Woods, Supervisor
Grace Bombard, James Bordis, Samantha Chobot,
Lauren Cosamano, Carly Feldman,
Eric Feml-Nelsen, Jason Gish, Meghan Hooley,
Tiffany Koo, Noelle Lake, Christine Lyons, Chloe Ng,
Terry Onofrio, Brandon Orszulak, Madison Ramnes,
Tina Rose-Turriglio, Christina Ryan,
Rachel Schlude, Greg Shaw, Michelle Sidoti,
Zak Snyder, Megan Tobiasen
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