The Center for Early Childhood Professionals, established in the fall of 1999, provides a broad array of services to the early care and education community. The Center goals are to raise the professional competence of early care and education workers, to strengthen the quality of program services, and to achieve positive outcomes for children in early childhood classrooms. Through research, training and professional development, advocacy, outreach and information sharing, the Center works towards addressing the needs and supporting the community that serves young children, birth through age eight, and their families.