As of July 1, 2024, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has decided, due to funding cuts, to no longer require participation in the Aspire Registry for certain DOHMH-permitted center-based programs. Going forward, DOHMH Early Childhood Education Consultants (ECECs) will review staff qualifications on-site during initial, renewal, and any other regulatory visits.
Despite this change, please know that our dedication to supporting New York’s early learning community remains as strong as ever. The Aspire Registry is here to help you as you navigate this transition. Below, we've addressed some Frequently Asked Questions to provide clarity as we move forward together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which DOHMH-permitted programs are still required to participate in Aspire?
Currently, programs that participate in QUALITYstarsNY and/or are funded by New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) are required to maintain active Aspire Individual and Organization profiles per their contractual agreement.
My program doesn’t participate in QUALITYstarsNY and isn’t funded by NYCPS; can I continue using the Aspire Registry?
Absolutely! Though it may no longer be required for your program, the Aspire Registry is still free and available to support the professional development management and career growth of you and your staff.
As a director/program administrator, can I still require my staff to maintain active Aspire profiles?
While DOHMH may not require its usage, the decision to integrate the Aspire Registry into your program is entirely at your discretion. The Aspire Registry’s ongoing commitment to verifying qualification documentation can help you ensure that your staff maintains valid credentials. As best practice for the child care and early childhood education profession, we strongly encourage you and your staff to maintain active profiles. Doing so not only facilitates staying abreast of mandatory training but also fosters your staff's growth by granting access to many professional development opportunities.
Will Quality Assured training events still count toward Article 47 training requirements?
Quality Assured training events will still count toward Article 47 training requirements. When searching through Aspire's PD Finder, look for the yellow ‘Quality Assured’ badge.
Will my DOHMH ECEC still accept Aspire verified training records as valid proof of qualifications for me and my staff?
The individual Aspire Professional Development Record contains a complete list of verified education and training information. As such, your ECEC can accept it as valid proof of qualifications for you and your staff. However, please be aware that your ECEC retains the right to request physical documentation, such as teaching certifications and training certificates.
If you offer in-service training to your staff or work with training providers, please provide physical copies of training certificates after training events to share with your ECEC if prompted.
If you've scheduled your trainings in the Registry, you can access Aspire-generated certificates by clicking Training Materials in the Event Details section of your training.
Will my ECEC verify all required qualification documentation?
During visits, your ECEC may ask for and review copies of qualification documentation. Rest assured, the Aspire Registry is committed to meticulously verifying all your documents. Our staff uses a thorough review process and possesses extensive knowledge in assessing document authenticity. We’ve implemented multiple policies aimed at supporting you in the care and safety of the youngest learners in New York State.
Are there any specific benefits to maintaining my profile in Aspire even if I don’t have to?
In a state as diverse as New York, maintaining an active profile in the Aspire Registry offers a wide range of benefits. With its robust features catering to every individual within the early childhood workforce, Aspire stands out as an invaluable resource. For directors, it's a tool for supporting staff growth and professional development tracking. Educators benefit from its organizational capabilities and access to a vast array of high-quality training opportunities to enhance their practice. Meanwhile, training providers can significantly amplify their impact by leveraging the streamlined processes of Aspire’s Training Approval System and the PD Finder. Learn more and download your Aspire Benefits one-pager here.