Mission Statement Early childhood and out-of-school time practitioners must provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences to ensure high quality early care and education programs. Therefore, the New Jersey Professional Development Center for Early Care and Education is working to establish a comprehensive statewide system of professional development for educators, including a career lattice linked with educational opportunities and resources. This system will help practitioners gain better access to the growing body of knowledge and skills needed to promote the physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being in all children. History The New Jersey Professional Development Center for Early Care and Education (NJPDC) grew out of New Jersey Sows the Seeds for Growth, a statewide initiative which established steps for implementing a system to enhance the preparation and continuing education of each childhood and out-of-school time practitioners. The NJPDC partnered with the New Jersey Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (NJACCRRA) to create a professional development system. The NJPDC staff works collaboratively with a Policy Advisory Board composed of representatives of early care and education, out-of-school time care, higher education, government, business and social services. In addition to Board members, the NJPDC works with more than 100 volunteers from the larger community, meeting regularly in Working Groups. The Working Groups are developing recommendations on professional standards, improved articulation and resources for services offered through the NJPDC’s three offices: Office of Professional Standards and Articulation, Office of Resource Development and Communication, and the Clearinghouse of Instructional Resources. The NJPDC is based at Kean University. The NJPDC enjoys the support of Kean’s Department of Early Childhood and Family Studies, whose faculty advise our programs and conduct research on the impact of our programs. Funding is provided through the New Jersey Department of Human Services and other sources.