Excellence in early childhood education (ECE) programs is built on a workforce that promotes continuous program improvement. Professional development is a cornerstone of this process. It includes gaining new knowledge, skills, and abilities, along with experience and competencies that relate to one’s profession, job responsibilities, or work environment. ECE programs and staff must address three areas: Professional Development Systems; Foundation for Staff Development; and Individual Career Development. Resources are organized within these areas to promote easy access to the information you need.
Explore the Individualized Professional Development (iPD) Portfolio. It is a learning management system created to support ongoing professional development for staff in Head Start and child care settings.
Continuing education units (CEUs) and contact hours are awarded for successful completion of professional development training events. Learn how to earn these credits for your early childhood education career.
Find out which states the iPD partnered with to provide professional development approval for courses. This includes detailed information about which iPD courses are approved to meet state requirements.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about state partnerships and the iPD.
Explore the list of iPD courses by professional development goals.
Explore the list of iPD courses by practitioner type.
Head Start Talks features training and technical assistance podcasts from the Office of Head Start.