We work in partnership with the early care and education workforce.
The National Early Care and Education (ECE) Workforce Center is a joint research and technical assistance center. This center builds on broader efforts of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the early childhood workforce by identifying effective policies and strategies through research and evaluation, translating lessons from research for practice, and supporting innovations in states and communities through technical assistance.
Featured Resources
Our collection of original and curated resources offers the latest research, practical guidance, and examples of innovation to inform the advancement of the ECE workforce.
Equity: Early Childhood Systems Building Resource Guide
This resource guide developed by the Child Care State Capacity Building Center is designed to help build capacity to advance […]
Published 2023
Early Childhood Workforce Index 2020
This report, developed by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment, examines key policy areas in which states […]
Published 2020
Child Care Policy Roadmap 2023
This policy brief by the Alliance for Early Success highlights action steps that policy leaders in different states have taken […]
Published 2023
Grow Your Own ECE Workforce
Key Topics
The foundation of our work is based on five key policy areas, or key topics, sourced from the Early Childhood Workforce Index created by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE).
Compensation & Financial Relief Strategies
Initiatives and investments to ensure compensation equal to the value of early educators’ work
Financial Resources
Public investment in the ECE workforce and broader ECE system
Qualifications & Educational Support
Policies and pathways that provide consistent standards for educators to achieve higher education
Work Environment Standards
Standards for providing safe and supportive work environments for early educators
Workforce Data
State-level collection of important data on the size, characteristics, and working conditions of the ECE workforce
Get Involved
Integrated Research & Policy Fellowship Program
The National ECE Workforce Center will soon welcome the first cohort of fellows for our Integrated Research & Policy Fellowship Program. The 10-month program focuses on the development of emerging leaders and the integration of research and policy/practice.
The application period for 2024-2025 has closed, but you can learn more about the program here.
Early Educator Advisory Board
We are developing an Early Educator Advisory Board to ensure that the work of the National ECE Workforce Center is meaningful and impactful to the workforce.
Serving as thought partners and advisors, this board will contribute to activities across research and technical assistance and will be composed of teachers representing settings across the sector, including home-based programs, Head Start, community-based centers, tribal child care programs, and state preschools. Board members will receive honorariums.
Please stay tuned for more information.
Events
Grow Your Own ECE: Nurturing and Supporting Talent
Join the National Early Care and Education (ECE) Workforce Center for the final installment of our Grow Your Own campaign […]