Early Childhood Educators & Administrators
Resources, programs, and support for early childhood educators and administrators working with DEC.
CARES 3.0 Fall Application Now Open
- Application Period: September 1-30, 2026
The CARES 3.0 Fall application period is September 1-30, 2026. Review the application process, requirements, and support materials now!
FY 26-27 Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) Due October 30th.
Visit the ECE Quality Improvement page for a guide on how to submit through the WELS Quality Portal.
Applications and Programs
Explore funding opportunities, professional development programs, and quality improvement resources available to early childhood educators and administrators.
- Application Period: September 1-30, 2026
- Application Period: June 1–June 30, 2026
- Application Period: Summer 2027
Upcoming Events
Stay up to date on meetings and events for early childhood educators and administrators.
ECE Training Calendar
Find upcoming trainings and professional development opportunities for early childhood educators.
Past Meetings and Materials
Access presentations, recordings, and other materials from previous meetings and trainings.
- CARES 3.0
CARES 3.0 Fall 2026 Pre-Recorded Webinar (Chinese)
- August 17, 2026
Available Materials
- CARES 3.0
CARES 3.0 Fall 2026 Pre-Recorded Webinar (Spanish)
- August 17, 2026
Available Materials
- CARES 3.0
CARES 3.0 Fall 2026 Pre-Recorded Webinar (English)
- August 17, 2026
Available Materials
- ECE Quality Improvement
Program WELS Quality Portal Webinar for Center Administrators
- August 13, 2026
- ECE Quality Improvement
Program WELS Quality Portal Webinar for FCCs (Chinese)
- August 13, 2026
- ECE Quality Improvement
Program WELS Quality Portal Webinar for FCCs (Spanish)
- August 12, 2026
Featured Resources
Find important information and resources for early childhood educators and administrators.
External Link
For more resources on assessments, health and safety, and professional development, visit the Quality Resources page. For QRIS Ratings, visit our QRIS Ratings page.
Data Reporting
DEC Enrollment Tracking System (DETS)
The DEC Enrollment Tracking System (DETS) is the data system DEC uses to record and track enrollments funded through MRA, CSPP, CCTR, Early Head Start, and Head Start. Early Learning For All providers serving children enrolled with one or more of these funding types are required to input their enrollments and certify their enrollment data monthly. The deadline to certify enrollment data each month is the 5th of the following month. For example, if you are certifying your January enrollment data, the deadline to certify is February 5th.
California ECE Workforce Registry
The California ECE Workforce Registry is designed to track and promote the education, training and experience of the early care and education workforce. Participation in the Registry is required for Early Learning For All programs, and all educators working at Early Learning For All sites must maintain up-to-date registry profiles in order to receive DEC-funded Workforce Compensation.
Resources for Educators and Staff
Resources for Employers
About
When early educators thrive, children thrive. DEC is committed to helping them grow in their careers by providing the compensation, educational pathways, and quality supports that make high-quality early learning possible. Through our Workforce Initiative, funded in part by Proposition C, we invest in living wages, professional development, and clear pathways for educator advancement. As part of Early Learning for All and our Quality Improvement efforts, we also offer coaching, training, and resources that strengthen their practice and help every child enter kindergarten prepared to succeed.
Contact
Have a question? Visit our help center or reach out to one of our team members below:
California Workforce Registry
- (323) 645-2631 (Los Angeles), (855) 645-0826 (Toll Free)
Contact for questions about:
- Your uploaded transcripts and documents on the CA Workforce Registry
Children’s Council Help Desk
- 415-343-4669
Contact for questions about:
- Creating or updating your Workforce Registry profile; employer administrative access or your registry account
ELFA Facilities Team
Contact for questions about:
- If you are already a qualified Early Learning for All (ELFA) program and are planning to expand your program, or any facilities changes
Jennifer Delos Reyes, Quality Early Learning Programs Manager
Contact for questions about:
- ECE coaching services or other general questions about early learning quality.
Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF)
- (415) 773-9094
Contact for questions about:
- Applying for Facilities Grants including eligibility, and application process.
Quality Improvement Team
Contact for questions about:
- DEC-funded professional development and trainings for early educators.
Workforce Initiative Team
- 628-652-3005
Contact for questions about:
- Compensation and Retention for Early Educators Stipend (CARES 3.0), Stipend for Early Educator Professional Development (SEEPD), Early Educator Salary Support Grant (EESSG), and Pathways.