Action Research Partnership

Pennsylvania & National ECE Workforce Center’s

What's new? Get the latest early childhood education (ECE) information and resources directly to your inbox.

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has been chosen as one of three states to participate in the National ECE Workforce Center’s Action Research Partnership (ARP)!

The Vision Ahead

The goal is to create a more comprehensive, flexible, and supportive ECE Career Pathway system that recognizes the true value and complexity of the ECE profession.

We’re excited to explore how the pathway can honor experience, reduce barriers to advancement, and recognize the full scope of skills and roles needed to serve Pennsylvania’s young children.

Four Phases of Action Research Partnerships

1. Introduction to Learning and Action ApproachThis phase focuses on building relationships within the cohort, establishing learning norms, and developing a shared understanding of policy or practice goals using the Systems Change Framework.

3. Learning and Action CyclesTeams collaborate on change activities, guided by National ECE Workforce Center staff. They use data to identify successful strategies, address challenges, and refine actions to meet their goals.

2. System Assessment and Goals IdentificationParticipants assess what can help drive systems change within their context and set clear, measurable goals for the Action Research Partnership.

4. Wrap-Up and Sharing LearningsAt the end of the Action Research Partnership, teams gather for a final Action Lab to share successes and lessons learned and reflect on progress, aims, and sustainability.