This Birth-to-Five Policy Handbook for New York City Early Education Centers (NYCEECs) is designed to be a supportive resource for your program, helping you understand and navigate the applicable policies. 

This handbook is aligned to relevant federal, state and local policies applicable to DOE-contracted NYCEEC programs; including but not limited to the New York State office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the New York State Education Department regulations, the NYCDOE Chancellor’s regulations and the applicable state and city licensing requirements. 

The New York State Early Learning Guidelines is designed to help all early childhood professionals including students, directors, teachers, and providers. We encourage all Early Childhood Education higher education faculty members to consider utilizing and incorporating these tools in the new semester. Students can purchase individual books directly or your campus bookstore can place a bulk order to sell. Help improve the quality of early childhood education and the lives of young children by enhancing your students' knowledge and skills with these resources.

The New York State Early Learning Guidelines:

• Lists the developmental milestones children attain between birth and age 8.

• A resource to refer to when you want to know how children develop.

• Provides sample strategies to help you bridge your knowledge of child development to your practice.