The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) is changing the landscape of early childhood education.
As a nationally recognized research and training center at the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development, we’re transforming the quality and effectiveness of early childhood programs across the state and paving the way for innovation across the country. We build the capacity of early learning administrators and teachers so they can provide the best possible care and education for young children. Through training, personalized coaching, peer support, and valuable resources, we grow early childhood professionals’ skills and careers as leaders.
What sets us apart?
- Unmatched in volume and scale. As top users of Teachstone’s Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS) and the Program Administration Scale (PAS), our data set on early childhood practices is reliable in its size and scope. We’ve used these assessment tools with over 1,600 early childhood administrators to improve their practices—making ours one of the largest datasets out there.
- Voluntary and impactful. We’ve raised the bar on quality, and we’ve done it through a voluntary system. Early childhood teachers and administrators choose our professional development experiences for a personalized investment in their own growth. We’ve created a workforce that craves professional development and then implements real, meaningful change to make their jobs easier and their work more impactful.
- Robust and accessible. We offer top-notch learning opportunities across Missouri. Our professional development isn’t one-and-done; it’s ongoing, impactful, and proven to boost skills. The support we provide creates lasting changes in the ways early childhood teachers and administrators do their work.
- Expert and relational. With years of experience behind them, our staff knows their stuff. They passionately bring this knowledge to every project with a true heart for those we serve.
- Collaboration at our core. We’ve built relationships with universities, community colleges, government agencies, and other key stakeholders to drive positive outcomes here in Missouri and across the country. We develop evidence-based practices, boldly implement, and help others do the same.
Our Programs
In partnership with the state of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the ECIC empowers early learning administrators and teachers to transform their practices through several key programs:
- The Missouri Supporting Early Childhood Administrators (MO-SECA) Program builds early learning program administrators’ leadership and business skills through quality professional development opportunities. Participants receive detailed program assessments, personalized coaching, regional trainings, and practical resources to strengthen their management skills and the early learning programs they lead.
- The Quality Assurance Report (QAR) Program boosts early childhood programs by providing teachers with tools to deliver high-quality care and educational experiences to young children. The program builds strong interactions between teachers and children through classroom observations, customized coaching, and engaging training.
- The Workforce Development Project drives systemic change by collaborating with stakeholders to establish professional standards and connect career pathways. With accessible education opportunities and critical on-ramps for upskilling, this initiative builds a well-trained and highly qualified workforce.
Together, we’re elevating early childhood professionals and improving the lives of children and families.
For more information and to learn how you can be a part of our collaborative movement, email us at ecic@umkc.edu.
