April 17, 2025
Fostering the professional growth of early childhood educators, particularly those working with children with disabilities and their families, is essential to building stronger early learning systems and improving outcomes for all children. This Spotlight highlights three key initiatives worth noting.
Supporting Educators With California Early Childhood Online
California Early Childhood Online (CECO) is a comprehensive professional development resource tailored for early childhood educators. Funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) in collaboration with WestEd, CECO provides free, high-quality training modules designed to enhance teaching practices and improve outcomes for children from birth to age 5.
With a focus on evidence-based strategies, CECO equips educators with the tools needed to foster engaging and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Topics range from assessing quality of care to implementing best practices that support the growth and well-being of young learners. The platform offers nearly 500 modules in English, Spanish, and Chinese, providing accessibility for all educators.
Read more about California Early Childhood Online.
Promoting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Early childhood professionals and caregivers benefit from guidance and support in their caregiving roles. The California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Network offers these essential supports to a wide range of early care providers, including center-based staff; family child care providers; and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers.
Coordinated by WestEd and funded by the CDSS, the IECMHC Network is a professional development initiative within WestEd’s Early Childhood Intervention, Mental Health, and Inclusion team. The Network supports early care program leaders and staff with consultation services and resources that promote the well-being of young children and their families.
In a featured Q&A on WestEd’s blog, Jennifer Miller, Program Director at WestEd, shares how the IECMHC Network supports improved outcomes for young children and the adults who care for them.
Early Intervention for Young Children With Disabilities
Early intervention can be a life-changing support system for children with disabilities and their families. In Episode 11 of WestEd’s Leading Voices podcast, Danny Torres speaks with Angela McGuire, who leads the Comprehensive Early Intervention Technical Assistance Network (CEITAN). CEITAN is a longstanding initiative that has supported the professional growth of early childhood intervention professionals in California for more than 30 years. Their conversation explores the role of early intervention in improving outcomes for children with disabilities and the critical partnerships between families and professionals.
Listen to the podcast episode and learn more about the critical role of early intervention.
How WestEd Can Help
WestEd is a trusted partner in advancing professional development for early childhood educators and leaders through evidence-based training and systems support. Learn more about our Early Childhood Development, Learning, and Systems and Infant and Toddler Care, Mental Health, and Well-Being programs.
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