Through the Eyes of a Teacher

Child development research over the past 30 years has revealed that early childhood education professionals have the most important job in the world.  They also have one of the most challenging roles in education today and are continually asked to do more with limited resources. 
 
Did you know?

• In a 2007 statewide survey conducted by the Texas Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Raising Texas, 66% of child care respondents said that they have children in their care with suspected or diagnosed behavioral or emotional difficulties.
  
• In Texas, a disadvantaged child enrolling in pre-school programs is 12 to 19 months behind.
  
• Children who enter school behind their peers typically stay behind.

 
As early childhood education professionals including child care, Head Start, and public pre-k teachers strive to close the achievement gap among children today, it is critical to have access to technical assistance and professional development supports.  Research has shown that teacher education and training have a direct impact on child development outcomes. 
 
This page is dedicated to highlighting critical networking opportunities, online resources, and local supports that will help professionals not only in the classroom, but with their own individual professional development as well.  If there is a specific tool or professional development opportunity that has been helpful to you, we want to know about it!  Please share what resources have helped you at dtitcombe@tecec.org . 
 
Resources for Early Care and Education Professionals:
 
Compiled List of Online Professional Development Opportunities and Important Resources for Professionals in the Field  

Texas Early Care and Education Career Development System (TECECDS)
 
 
The Positive Behavioral Support Program and Training 

Child Care Health Consultants and Healthy Child Care Texas

Early Childhood Standards Crosswalk
 
Examples of Statewide Associations for Early Childhood Education Professionals

Texas Association for the Education of Young Children

Texas Association of Administrators and Supervisors of Programs for Young Children

Texas Licensed Child Care Association

Texas Professional Home Child Care Association

 
Upcoming Professional Development Conferences:
 
Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC) Annual Conference
Theme: Collaborating, Finding Hope and Promise for Children
When: October 16-18, 2008
Where: Corpus Christi, Texas
For more information:  http://www.texasaeyc.org/conference/default.asp
The Annual Conference is a project of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. 
 
Texas Licensed Child Care Association (TLCCA) Annual Fall Conference
When: October 3-5, 2008
Where: Omni Dallas Park West in Farmers Branch 1590 LBJ Freeway
For more information: Email office@tlcca.org   or call the TLCCA office at (800) 937-8522
 
Texas Professional Home Child Care Association (TPHCCA) 20th Annual Education and Enrichment Conference
Theme: Past Present Future,  The Never Ending Circle of TPHCCA
When: September 18-21, 2008
Where: Omni Dallas Park West, Dallas, Texas
For more information: http://www.tphcca.org/annual_conference.php
 
National Even Start Association 14th Annual Conference
Theme: The 3 R's of Family Literacy: Research, Readiness, and Results
When: October 19-21, 2008
Where: Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin – Town Lake in downtown Austin, Texas
For more information: http://www.evenstart.org/p_development/conference.shtml