Pictured left to right at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA for the Grow NJ Kids (GNJK) Annual Networking Expo are Kirby Center Associate Director of Child Care Programs Aimee Arguedas, Madison Area YMCA Senior Vice President of Strategic Management and Childhood Education Karé Matrisciano, GNJK Program Director Eve Robinson, Kirby Center Executive Director Rosemary Adamo, and GNJK Special Projects Manager Lori Harrje.  

(Madison, NJ) — January 29, 2026 — The Madison Area YMCA’s F.M. Kirby Children’s Center hosted the Grow NJ Kids (GNJK) Annual Networking Expo on Saturday, November 15, welcoming early childhood educators from across the region for a day of professional development and collaboration.  

The Expo, organized by the Grow NJ Kids Technical Assistance Center North, is an annual professional development and networking opportunity for early childhood educators across the region. The event provided teachers, directors, and family childcare providers with the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, tour classrooms, and participate in interactive sessions focused on high-quality early childhood education practices. The F.M. Kirby Children’s Center was selected as the host site in recognition of its commitment to excellence in early learning and its recent Grow NJ Kids Four-Star rating, highlighting the strength of its curriculum, environment, and dedicated staff. 

The Kirby Center earned a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids last summer, a high recognition within New Jersey’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for early learning and childcare programs. This distinction reflects strong instructional practices, a high-quality learning environment, and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

“Hosting the Grow NJ Kids Expo was both an honor and a meaningful opportunity to collaborate with educators from across the state,” said Rosemary Adamo, Executive Director of the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center. “Our four-star rating is a reflection of our team’s dedication to quality, and this event allowed us to share best practices while continuing to learn from one another.” 

During the Expo, participants observed thoughtfully designed classroom environments, including purposeful room arrangements, engaging materials, and instructional displays that reflect high-quality practices. The Kirby Center team, in partnership with Grow NJ Kids Technical Assistance Specialists, led interactive training sessions on topics ranging from curriculum design to family engagement strategies. 

To support accessibility and inclusion, one breakout session was offered entirely in Spanish, creating a welcoming learning environment for Spanish-speaking educators. 

“This Expo was about connection, collaboration, and growth,” Adamo added. “It provided educators with the space to reflect, exchange ideas, and strengthen their practice—benefiting children and families across our communities.” 

The Madison Area YMCA, including its F.M. Kirby Children’s Center, remains committed to advancing inclusive, high-quality early childhood education and supporting educators through leadership, learning, and partnership. 

For information on how to become a Grow NJ Kids participating provider or find a participating child care program near you, visit www.GrowNJKids.gov. 

About the Madison Area YMCA

The Madison Area YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds, the Y provides programs and services that promote belonging, foster well-being, and ensure access for all through Y Scholarships and community support. 

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