Iowa AEYC supports early childhood professionals as they explore personal professional development opportunities to ensure Iowa’s youngest children receive quality early childhood experiences. As early childhood professionals, we must continually learn and change. Regardless of our role in early childhood, professional development provides us with important education and training to develop the skills and competencies that improve delivery of services.
Early childhood professionals work directly with children in childcare, preschool, or school settings; or we provide services to young children and their families in the areas of health, mental health, nutrition, and family support. Each position in the workforce requires unique types and levels of skills and competencies. Continuous professional development and retention of a qualified, stable, and well-compensated early childhood workforce throughout Iowa is critical for children to discover their individual and unique skills.
The Iowa Early Childhood Professional Development System supports all who work in early learning, family support, health, mental health, nutrition, and special needs/early intervention. In response to the variety of professional development needs, the system integrates professional standards, career pathways, articulation among higher education institutions, leadership, evaluation, and financing.