Early Childhood Education

The Division of Early Childhood Education provides leadership and coordination to ensure that all District of Columbia children, from birth to kindergarten entrance, have access to high quality early childhood development programs and are well prepared for school.

ECE works to develop an effective early childhood education system by:

• implementing high standards for programs and professionals
• creating supports to meet standards
• adhering to rigorous accountability measures
• engaging community stakeholders
• securing strong financial supports

The Division of Early Childhood Education is composed of the School Preparedness Division, the Compliance & Integrity Division, and the Analysis & Reporting division.

The School Preparedness Division focuses on connecting the dots between all early childhood development programs. The Division supports four units: the Education Services Monitoring Unit, the Professional Development Unit, the Pre-kindergarten Unit and the Head Start State Collaboration Office.

• Education Services Monitoring Unit- responsible for monitoring licensed child development centers and homes serving families who receive child care subsidy vouchers to help pay for the cost of child care services. The unit also provides technical assistance to child care subsidy providers to ensure access to high quality child care for all eligible children and families.
• Professional Development Unit – ensures the availability of resources to strengthen the knowledge, skills and disposition of the early childhood workforce. This unit also provides guidance on policies related to early childhood workforce development, credentialing and qualifications.
• Pre-kindergarten Unit – responsible for the implementation of high-quality universal Pre-kindergarten educational services in accordance with the Pre-k Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2008.
• Head Start State Collaboration Office – promotes improved linkages between Head Start and local agencies that provide services in the areas of health care, welfare, education, community, family literacy services, disabilities, homelessness, professional development and child welfare. Works to coordinate activities with the Mayor’s office, key District agencies, and early childhood agencies, associations and advocacy groups.

The Compliance and Integrity Division is responsible for administering assurance and compliance programs to prevent violations while enforcing laws through guidance, education, and regulatory actions. The Division comprises three units:

• Child Care Licensing – responsible for inspections and licensure of all District Child Development Facilities
• Child Care Investigations Unit – responsible for investigations of Child Care Complaints and Unusual Incidents
• Eligibility Monitoring Unit – responsible for audit and evaluation of eligibility determinations for Subsidized Child Care Services

The Analysis and Reporting Unit ensures that all ECE programs operate efficiently and effectively to support a high-quality early learning environment for children and their families. Major activities of ARU:

• Budget preparation and analysis
• Grants Management
• Contracts and Procurement
• Invoice Reimbursement
• Program Analysis
• Coordination, preparation and submission of:
  • Child Care Statistical Reports
  • Language Access Act Report
  • Customer Service Report
  • Freedom of Information Act Requests
  • Child Care and Development Fund Block Grant
  • Financial Reports