The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) focuses on supporting children with and without developmental disabilities from birth through eight years of age. The ECIC addresses several issues.
- Issues related to child care systems
- Inclusive early intervention through pre-school programs
- Building capacity for the early childhood workforce through efforts to improve several key elements
- Professionalize the workforce
- Increase business acumen among early childhood administrators and leaders
- Streamline career pathways
- Strengthening the workforce by adopting recognized professional standards and competencies, and improving data collection and reporting systems
The UMKC Institute for Human Development’s ECIC efforts are divided among three major initiatives.
- MO-SECA (Missouri Supporting Early Childhood Administrators) – Provides early childhood administrators across the state with the knowledge, skills and connections they need to effectively lead and operate sustainable, quality programs.
- The Quality Assurance Report (QAR) – A continuous improvement process to support early childhood programs that includes assessments and coaching.
- The Workforce Development Project – Focused on building capacity, streamlining career pathways, and strengthening and professionalizing the early childhood workforce.
