National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
Project Description:
The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) builds upon the foundation of several recent OSEP funded TA centers to improve service systems and assist states in scaling up and sustaining effective services and research-based interventions for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities and their families. Building on the success and expertise of NECTAC, TACSEI, CELL, and ECO, the ECTA Centers work scope will include:
1. Working with partner states to develop a service system framework for high-quality, effective and efficient early childhood and early intervention service systems. The components and quality indicators within the service system framework will be defined to support the implementation of effective practices at the local level.
2. Producing guidance materials for state and local programs that identify the essential features and implementation processes critical to implementing, scaling up, and sustaining effective services and interventions.
3. Partnering with the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children, to revise the research-based, field-validated DEC Recommended Practices.
4. Providing three levels of assistance to states and local programs: general/informational technical assistance; specific targeted assistance; and, intensive assistance over time. In the new work scope, the ECTA Center will provide TA to:
o Strengthen State Part C and Section 619 service systems,
o Increase the implementation of effective practices,
o Improve Part C and Section 619 monitoring and accountability,
o Increase collaboration across early childhood systems,
o Enhance Child and Family Outcome measurement, and, ultimately
o Improve results for children and families participating in Part C and Section 619 programs.
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
