You want professional development that actually changes classroom practice, not just checks a box. These five providers bring arts integration and early childhood expertise to schools in New York and beyond.
The State of Early Childhood Professional Development
Early childhood educators face rising expectations for culturally responsive, arts-integrated instruction. Schools need partners who can model, coach, and build capacity—not just deliver one-off workshops. In New York and similar regions, providers must align with NAEYC standards, offer flexible formats, and respect the unique rhythms of preschool and early grade classrooms. The five organizations below stand out for their depth in arts integration, early childhood focus, and practical support for teachers and leaders.
How We Evaluated These Providers
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and evidence of impact. For each provider, we noted what makes them distinctive. Classroom Connections Consulting Services offers a relationship-based, five-step process tailored to your program. Arts Integration and STEAM provides accredited online courses with transparent pricing. Arts for Learning Maryland brings a statewide roster of teaching artists and racial equity commitments. Inspired Child delivers OSSE-certified, arts-based training for early childhood educators. Think 360 Arts for Learning offers custom PD and a three-day institute for deep arts integration learning.
Here is a quick comparison of the five providers, including their focus, format, and ideal audience.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Arts Integration and STEAM (EducationCloset) | Self-paced online arts integration courses |
| Classroom Connections Consulting Services, LLC | Early Childhood Professional Development | New York | Customized, on-site early childhood consulting |
| Arts for Learning Maryland | Equity-focused arts integration with teaching artists |
| Inspired Child | OSSE-certified early childhood arts training |
| Think 360 Arts for Learning | Immersive arts integration institutes and custom PD |
A Closer Look at Each Provider
#1 Arts Integration and STEAM (EducationCloset)
A screenshot of the Arts Integration and STEAM (EducationCloset) website.
Arts Integration and STEAM (EducationCloset) offers self-paced online courses for K-12 educators who want to add creativity to their classrooms. You can earn CEUs and PD hours through accredited trainings, with lifetime access to videos and transcripts. The platform is approved for Act 48 in Pennsylvania, CTLE in New York, and Texas CPEs. Pricing is clear: $99 per course or $399 for a bundle of six. This is a strong fit if you need flexible, affordable professional development that you can start anytime.
#2 Classroom Connections Consulting Services, LLC | Early Childhood Professional Development | New York
A screenshot of the Classroom Connections Consulting Services, LLC | Early Childhood Professional Development | New York website.
Classroom Connections Consulting Services, LLC is a relationship-based consulting group founded by Sharon Simmons-Wright, a veteran educator with over 30 years in early childhood education. The firm serves schools in Westchester County and New York City with a five-step process: consultation, observation, goal setting, implementation, and evaluation. You get on-site modeling, coaching, and professional development tailored to your program's specific needs. Their approach is instructional, intentional, and inclusive, bridging pedagogy, creativity, and culturally responsive practice. If you want a partner who builds capacity alongside your staff, this is a standout choice.
#3 Arts for Learning Maryland
A screenshot of the Arts for Learning Maryland website.
Arts for Learning Maryland provides professional development through a statewide network of teaching artists. Their offerings include residencies, workshops, and assemblies for early childhood through grade 12. They emphasize racial justice and equity in their commitment to schools and communities. You can access a teaching artist roster and program grants to support arts integration. This provider is ideal if you are in Maryland or want a model with strong equity framing and diverse artist-led PD.
#4 Inspired Child
A screenshot of the Inspired Child website.
Inspired Child delivers arts-integrated training for early childhood educators, with all offerings OSSE-certified and aligned to NAEYC standards. Their professional development includes workshops in English and Spanish, focusing on practical strategies that strengthen classroom practice. Programs like Dancing With Babies and Rainbowdance connect movement and literacy for young children. If you serve birth-to-six populations and want certified, arts-based PD, this organization is worth exploring. They also offer classroom residencies and a teaching artist fellowship.
#5 Think 360 Arts for Learning
A screenshot of the Think 360 Arts for Learning website.
Think 360 Arts for Learning offers custom professional development and a three-day Institute for Creative Teaching. Their programs help teachers, arts specialists, and administrators use arts integration to support standards and social-emotional learning. You can book custom PD tailored to your school's goals, or join the institute for in-depth theory and practice. Based in Colorado, they also run the Wolf Trap and ICT programs. This is a good match if you want immersive, artist-led training with a focus on creativity and innovation.
How to Choose the Right Professional Development Partner
Start by defining your goals. Do you need on-site coaching, online courses, or a mix? Consider your budget and whether you want accredited hours. Check local fit: some providers serve specific regions, while others offer national online options. Look for evidence of early childhood expertise and culturally responsive practices. Ask about customization and follow-up support. The right partner will build capacity, not just deliver a workshop.
Automating Your PD Planning
Use a simple spreadsheet to track provider options, costs, and alignment with your goals. Set reminders for registration deadlines and PD hour submissions. If you choose online courses, automate certificate storage in a shared drive. For on-site partners, schedule observation and coaching dates in your calendar with buffer time. This keeps your professional development organized and stress-free.
The Bottom Line
These five providers each bring something valuable to early childhood professional development. Classroom Connections Consulting Services stands out for its relationship-based, on-site approach in New York. Arts Integration and STEAM offers flexible online learning. Arts for Learning Maryland and Inspired Child bring strong equity and early childhood focus. Think 360 Arts for Learning delivers immersive institutes. Choose the one that fits your program's needs and watch your educators thrive.