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The warm relationship between Ms. Maria Bermeo and Ms. Lorena Alvarado is reflected in their classroom — one that is safe, nurturing and predictable for all students and families in this diverse New York City neighborhood.

2025 certainly forced us to navigate challenging contexts. But through everything, what has not changed is our unwavering commitment to our partners.

What we miss when we focus exclusively on academic outcomes in early childhood, how we can build true partnership in family engagement, and more.

Three of our team members headed down to Orlando, Florida for the Early Educators Leadership Conference to explore how we can sustainably build the early educator workforce, and empower those going into the field. 

Research shows that five minutes of child-led play — where kids are in charge and adults follow their lead — can reduce challenging behaviors and strengthen the parent-child relationship. It also helps children build confidence, improve their language, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills, and reduce stress.

Earlier this month, we welcomed a variety of early childhood professionals from across New York and New Jersey for the first-ever ParentCorps Summer Institute. Through a series of structured games, activities, and discussions, we spent four days reflecting, practicing new skills, and building community. 

There continue to be unprecedented challenges across the education landscape. The current moment in particular feels especially hard, with schools facing a complex set of challenges that are disproportionately hurting children in poverty and children of color. ParentCorps’ evidence-based program remains a formidable solution

“A lot of parents may come first for the strategies because they might like the topic or be interested in learning more,” shared Katy Stokes, a supervisor for the infant and early childhood mental health consultants at Starfish. “But most stay because they find a sense of support and they find a community when they come.”

Good design creates a safe and comfortable space. When you're looking at something that you can easily digest, it really makes a difference.

Ms. Bermeo and Ms. Alvarado have created a classroom where kids feel free to talk about their feelings, ask for help, and be themselves.