MISSION of the Early Childhood Workgroup
To support the social-emotional, academic, and physical development of children by working with families, early care and education programs, and the community through a statewide, comprehensive early childhood system.

Our VISION for the Future
A system of private and public partnerships will support young children and their families.  Young children will have the learning opportunities they need to be successful in school and life.  Families will have the community supports they need to be the primary teachers of their children.  Delaware’s young children will live, play and learn in safe and nurturing environments. 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES of Our Work

• Early Learning Foundations are the framework for children’s learning.
• All services are developmentally appropriate and individualized for each child.  
• ALL* young children have access to quality and affordable early care and education.
• Children have access to developmental monitoring to support learning.
• All families of young children have the education and services they need to support their children’s development and well being.  
• All Early Childhood Education programs incorporate curriculum that is continuous, systematic and founded in evidence based practices.
• Programs and schools are ready, willing and able to anticipate and plan for the needs of families and their young children.
• The system ensures smooth transition of children and families from one setting to the next.
• Professional development is based on competencies for early care and education professionals from Delaware First and K-12 teacher standards.
• Technical assistance is targeted toward continuous improvement and program quality.
• DOE’s early childhood work group collaborates with other agencies, public and private, to ensure a high quality comprehensive early childhood system.

*ALL means ALL - children with disabilities, English language learners, and other children who maybe at risk