Learning Resources

As part of our commitment to fostering year-round educational opportunities, we have curated a collection of resources districts may want to share with families to support learning during the summer months. These resources aim to bridge the summer learning gap, promote continuous academic and social growth, and ensure all students have access to engaging activities while away from the classroom.

• Reading Rockets Get Ready for Summer: Ideas for Teachers to Share with Families

• National PTA Summer Learning Resources

• NAEYC Summer Learning - Early Childhood Resources

• NYSED Summer Learning Resources

• National Education Association (NEA) Resources to Support Summer Learning

Summer Meal Resources

Ensuring that children receive nutritious meals during the summer months is crucial. The following resources will connect families with local meal sites and program details.

• Hunger Solutions New York

• Summer Meals NYC



Let's Learn Instructional Learning Series

Produced by The WNET Group, Let’s Learn is a nationally broadcast public media series for kids ages 4-7 that makes learning fun.

The one-hour segmented programs focus on stories, reading and writing skills, math, science, social studies, the arts, and social-emotional learning. Segments are hosted by a dynamic, diverse group of educators who model best practices to support student learning. Leading cultural institutions have served as content partners. The website offers 250+ full programs and 750+ clips to stream.  

It's Here! Summer Reading at New York State Libraries 

Are you looking for ways to promote fun and educational adventures and activities for Summer Reading to students and families this year? These short and entertaining PSAs in English and Spanish on YouTube are now available to help with outreach! These resources can be used to promote Summer Reading participation and programs throughout your community by posting on different platforms like websites, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Check out the variety of promotional resources that are provided through the CSLP YouTube Channel and the Summer Reading at New York Libraries site on the State Library’s Youth Services pages. The Promote Your Summer Reading Program page includes a Summer Reading toolkit for schools and school libraries! School and community libraries can also check out the Libraries and Literacy webinar for ideas on how to support young readers and families on their literacy journey.

Questions? Contact NYSLYouth@nysed.gov. 

Self-Paced Professional Learning from PBS Kids

PBS KIDS offers this FREE special collection of flexible self-paced learning to help inspire PreK-2 teachers and provide support for the classroom. Choose from a variety of learning topics designed to spark new ideas and expand your skill set for engaging children and families with educational media. You may also be able to earn between one to three credit hours.

Explore our Learning Paths, a series of short microlearning modules (15-minute, skill-based experiences in a range of interactive formats) that can lead to a certificate.

Click here to access professional learning from PBS Kids!

UPK Collaboration Council

This year, the Office of Early Learning and the Office of Children and Family Services jointly collaborated to form the UPK Collaboration Council. This group met throughout the year both in-person and virtually to compile a report of actionable steps to improve prekindergarten collaboration for all stakeholders.

The final meeting in May was held in-person, and the group worked to finalize their recommendations on various topics that affect UPK collaboration. Topics included funding, instructional requirements, program requirements, and teacher qualifications and retention.

P-3 Literacy Attestation Due September 1st, 2025

New York State Education Law §818 requires an annual review of school district curriculum and instructional practices in the subject of reading for students in Prekindergarten through Grade 3. This Literacy Attestation is currently available on the NYSED Business Portal (MVPS) and is due by September 1st, 2025.

A virtual meeting for districts looking to gain insight on completing the attestation will be held on Wednesday, July 23 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. This meeting will include an overview of the attestation questions, guidance and suggestions on completing the attestation, and an opportunity to ask questions. Interested parties can register for the Literacy Attestation meeting at the Zoom link here.

For more information on the literacy attestation and the New York State Literacy Initiative, please see the following resources:

• NYSED P-3 Literacy Instructional Best Practices 
• Literacy Attestation Memo
• NYSED Literacy Initiative webpage

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.

Erik Sweet, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning

Lori Smart, Director

Tanya Amodio-Kovacs, Supervisor

Paulette Coppin, Supervisor

Vicky Woods, Supervisor

Grace Bombard, James Bordis, Samantha Chobot,

Lauren Cosamano, Carly Feldman,

Meghan Hooley, Eric Feml-Nelsen, Jason Gish,

Tiffany Koo, Noelle Lake, Christine Lyons,

Terry Onofrio, Brandon Orszulak, Madison Ramnes,

Tina Rose-Turriglio, Christina Ryan, Gregory Shaw

Rachel Schlude, Greg Shaw, Michelle Sidoti,

Zak Snyder, Megan Tobiasen