The following resources provide information on building the capacity of the early childhood education professional workforce. Resources include State and local examples.
Child Welfare Toolkit for Early Childhood Professionals (PDF - 23,091 KB)
Partnership for Resilient Infants + Toddlers (2014)
Outlines a collaborative approach between early childhood professionals and the child welfare system in order to implement trauma-informed practices in work with parents and children.
Collaborating to Support the Early Childhood Workforce
National Association of State Boards of Education (2018)
Provides historical context and guidance on supporting collaborations to the early childhood workforce across agencies.
Early Childhood Workforce
Child Trends (2018)
Provides publications and blogs related to the professional development of early child professionals, including working with trauma-exposed children and five things to know about the workforce.
The Early Childhood Workforce Index 2018
Austin, Edwards, McLean, & Whitebook (2018)
Center for the Study of Child Care Employment
Provides a snapshot of early child care workforce conditions and policies across the country. The index concludes with principles and policy recommendations to improve early childhood jobs.
Early Childhood Workforce - Resources
Head Start, Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center
Provides resources and materials for early childhood workforce professional development and support.
Frameworks for Response to Intervention in Early Childhood: Description and Implications (PDF - 698 KB)
Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, & National Head Start Association (2013)
Presents a broad definition and description of the features of response to intervention (RTI) frameworks as they are evolving in early childhood (EC) programs, describes common misconceptions about RTI in EC, and identifies future directions related to RTI research and practice in EC.
Professional Development
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Provides resources for early childhood professionals to improve their practice through self-study as well as courses and training sessions by faculty, trainers, and other professional development specialists. NAEYC awards CEUs for several of these resources.
National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning (NCECDTL)
Office of Head Start, Administration for Children and Families
Advances the identification, development, and promotion of evidence-based child development and education practices that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and lead to positive child outcomes across early childhood programs.
State Professional Development Systems
National Associate for the Education of Young Children
Seeks to assist States in developing, enhancing, and implementing policies for an integrated early childhood professional development system. Resources include a database of State policies, webinars, and networking opportunities.
The State of Babies Yearbook
Zero to Three (2021)
Presents a series of factsheets for each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia containing information for early childhood professionals and policymakers about infants, toddlers, and families in their respective States. Information is presented using the framework of good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences.
Supporting Diverse Populations Within the Early Childhood Workforce
Head Start, Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (2018)
Provides research, toolkits, and presentations on supporting a diverse early childhood education workforce and serving diverse populations of children and families.
Supporting the Psychological Well-Being of the Early Care and Education Workforce: Findings from the National Survey of Early Care and Education
Child Trends (2018)
Presents findings of a study on the psychological distress of early care and education professionals, the types of supports that are associated with reducing stress. The report concludes with recommendations for improving outcomes.
Three Building Blocks of Reflective Supervision
Zero to Three (2016)
Presents facts for each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia comparing national and state-by-state data on the well-being of infants and toddlers. Information is presented using the framework of good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences.
Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8: A Unifying Foundation (PDF - 301 KB)
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine (2015)
Offers policy and practice recommendations to better support the training, competency, professional development, and compensation for the early care and education workforce.
State and local examples
Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Knowledge & Competencies
Arizona Early Childhood Career and Professional Development Network (2015)
Teaches the core knowledge and competencies required of Arizona early childhood professionals, including child growth and development; effective interactions; health, safety, and nutrition; professionals; and program management.
Elevating the Early Childhood Workforce
Buffet Early Childhood Institute
Discusses the need for skilled early childhood professionals in Nebraska and the program to support developing a strong workforce. The website includes resources and materials on workforce development.
Early Learning Providers
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (2018)
Provides links and resources for Washington State early childhood learning professionals to receive continuing education credits to enhance the early childhood learning workforce.
New York City Early Childhood Professional Development Institute
The City University of New York
Provides a comprehensive system of professional development for individuals who work with young children in New York City through education, training, and career development and provides research and public policy resources.
Professional Development and Workforce Supports in Early Childhood Systems
Zero to Three
Provides strategies and State examples for increasing the knowledge and skills of early childhood professionals.