National Center on Early Childhood Development Teaching and Learning

The National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning (NCECDTL) is awarded to Zero to Three in collaboration with the University of Washington, Vanderbilt University, Child Trends, and the Children's Equity Project.

NCECDTL advances best practices in the identification, development, and promotion of the implementation of evidence-based child development and teaching and learning practices that are culturally and linguistically responsive and lead to positive child outcomes across early childhood programs. They also support strong professional development systems. The Center's work includes, but is not limited to:

  • Professional development for the infant, toddler, and preschool workforce
  • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Intentional teaching and home visiting practices
  • Effective transitions
  • Developmental screening instruments and ongoing assessment tools
  • Practice-based coaching
  • Culturally, linguistically, and age-appropriate practices
  • Enhancing teacher-child interactions
  • Supporting children with disabilities and suspected delays (Part C and Part B)
  • Using data to improve practice

NCECDTL ensures early care and education programs have access to high quality training and technical assistance, information, and materials consistent with the requirements of the Head Start Act, Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, and other applicable regulations. It also serves as an intersection for the synthesis of research, data, knowledge, and experience to help inform OHS priorities. NCECDTL is responsive to the unique needs of dual language learners, American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs, in particular, as well as other diverse populations. It uses professional development strategies that support states, tribes, and agencies in serving low-income families.

 

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Announcements

Do you supervise or support ongoing professional development (PD) for your Head Start teachers, home visitors, or family child care…

Highlighted Tools and Resources
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Identify, analyze and adjust workforce investments with the Professional Development System Cost Analysis Tool.

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Review research, resources, and explore examples of state efforts that can guide decision-making about suspension and expulsion policy decisions in Preventing and Reducing Suspensions and Expulsions in Early Care and Education Settings.

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Find examples of state systems and policies that help support recruiting and retaining a highly qualified workforce in Staff Recruitment and Retention.

Professional Development System Framework

Review the 2016 Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations on training and professional development and explore resources related to the six Professional Development System Framework components.

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Discover how registries function and explore the data available through registries for states to track professional development achievement and refine their state early childhood workforce data systems in Early Childhood Workforce: Registries.