URGENT MESSAGE: NJ Early Childhood (Abbott/CBC) Scholarship Program Eliminated Effective October 1, 2010.

For more information, click here.


2010 Professional Development Awards Call for Nominees
Professional Impact NJ in collaboration with our partners the NJ Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC), and the Statewide Coalition for Child Care announce the fifth annual Professional Development Awards.  For Nomination Form, click here.

NJ Parent Link Website Launched
Announcing NJ Parent Link, the State of New Jersey's Early Childhood, Parenting, and Professional Resource Center.  Log on today www.njparentlink.nj.gov. or click here for flyer.


NJ First Steps Infant Toddler Initiative Scholarship Program

The NJ First Steps Infant Toddler Initiative is pleased to announce the availability of scholarship funds for infant and toddler practitioners employed in NJ licensed child care centers.  Funding is available for infant toddler practitioners to cover the tuition, fees and book stipend of the two approved college for-credit classes (six credits) leading toward the NJ Infant/Toddler Credential.

For more information click here

 First Steps I/T scholarship application

 First Steps I/T scholarship handbook

For a detailed description of the steps you need to take to apply for the Infant/Toddler Credential and the First Steps Scholarship, click here.

Interim Executive Director Named to Lead Professional Impact NJ

As many of you already know, Aimee Gelnaw is leaving the position of Executive Director of Professional Impact NJ.  As leader of an important state-wide project that is part of the College of Education, her energy and leadership will be greatly missed.  We wish Aimee lots of good luck in her new position.

I write to update you on the steps I have taken to identify a new Executive Director for PINJ.  Dr. Arlene Martin, a former Kean Professor of Early Childhood Education and a leader in the State of New Jersey with respect to Early Childhood Education has agreed to accept the position of Acting Executive Director for Professional Impact NJ.  This acting appointment will begin March 1, 2010 and will be in place until a formal search is conducted and a candidate selected.  Dr. Martin will have the opportunity to be a candidate for this position when it is searched.

At this time, it is anticipated that a search will be conducted in June/July and an appointment made effective as of September with the beginning of the new academic year 2010-2011.   Representatives of the important constituent groups of the project will have representation on the Search Committee.  Recommendations for the Search Committee will be solicited when the job vacancy is posted.

Dr. Hoffman, our Acting Associate Dean in collaboration with Dr. Kelly, Professional Impact NJ's liaison to the university, will provide support and direction for the project until Dr. Martin can assume these duties.

Dr. Susan Polirstok