QUALITYstarsNY is New York State’s voluntary five-star Quality Rating and Improvement System for early childhood programs. It focuses on its evidence-based practices to ensure young children in participating programs have access to excellence, and their families can trust the level of quality in the programs they choose.
The Elba Central School District in Elba, New York has every reason to be proud of their Primary Project program! In the fall of 2025, the district launched Primary Project after they were awarded funding through a competitive three‑year grant administered by Children’s Institute and supported by NYSED. Even though the school is early in their implementation journey, they are already seeing incredible progress.
Teachers are often the first to notice when a child may need a little extra support. When they have the right tools and partners, those early observations can make a real difference for children and families.
Outdoor play is a big part of how young children grow and learn. When children are outside, they have the space and freedom to really move including running, climbing, balancing, and exploring in ways that aren’t possible indoors. That kind of movement not only builds strong bodies, but it also builds confidence and resilience.
March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate the stories and ideas that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. At Children’s Institute, we’re joining in by sharing book recommendations that support children’s social-emotional growth and spark meaningful conversations.
We’re proud to honor Vanessa Cao, winner of the Emory L. Cowen Award for the best first‑authored article in a psychology journal. Her research helps carry forward the legacy of Emory L. Cowen, who founded Primary Project in 1957, the prevention program Children’s Institute continues to implement in schools today.
Senior Project Coordinator Arlene Bobin shares her personal journey with Primary Project over the years—from the early 1980s to today!
Congratulations to our 2024-25 Primary Project Nationally Certified Schools
Schools will begin using the updated version of the Teacher Child Rating Scale T-CRS 3.1 this fall.