The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is focused on ensuring the early childhood education (ECE) workforce is well equipped to support the growth development of today’s youngest children and their families. Efforts include building statewide systems and standards that align with national recommendations by offering access to a unified professional development (PD) system for early childhood educators. OCDEL recognizes that under-resourced programs and under-compensated professionals face challenges that are unique in each region of the state; therefore, expansion of services and regional partnerships are crucial to maximize employment opportunities and ensure services match a broad range of needs.

Professional Development Organizations (PDOs) drive local degree attainment through clearly articulated career pathways. Equitable, relevant career pathways will be accessible to aspiring early educators and those seeking to increase their qualifications, across settings. While OCDEL is increasing efforts and partnerships to support the preparation of early educators, the office also seeks to build in-service capacity across the state through PD institutes. Collectively, these efforts have a greater impact on structural quality at programs and build leadership capacity across the field.