NYSPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KAREN KISSINGER

NYSPEP Member Spotlight: Karen Kissinger

Karen Kissinger has served on NYSPEP's Steering Committee since 2008, and is a member of New York State Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC). She also works at the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Her current work focuses on child care providers and supporting the OCFS Regional Offices. This includes training and licensing staff, enhancing quality improvement, providing technical assistance, and implementing policies related to regulations.

Karen states, "Child care providers strengthen families and communities every day. I am honored to support these 19,000 child care programs that serve over 500,000 children and their families." 

Prior to joining the Division of Child Care Services, Karen was part of Child Welfare and Community Services. In that role, she partnered with community-based organizations to prevent child abuse, reduce foster care entry, and prevent elder abuse.

Karen also serves on the Board of a Foundation to support innovative learning experiences and community partnerships with her local school district. Previous experience includes developing training for child care providers, co-teaching at a child care center, and serving on the boards of an after-school program and a youth development organization.