About Us

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The Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System is a statewide program designed to meet the professional development needs of those working in the early childhood field.

Formerly known as the Texas Early Care and Education Career Development System (TECECDS), the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS) was developed through a joint project of the Texas Head Start State Collaboration Office (THSSCO) and the Texas Early Learning Council (TELC). Housed at the Children’s Learning Institute at UTHealth Houston, TECPDS is one of several statewide programs managed by CLI to support the early childhood system, including programs, professionals, and families across the state, as part of its role as the Texas State Center for Early Childhood Development. TECPDS launched in 2013 and continues to expand and enhance professional development opportunities, resources, and tools for early childhood professionals.

The Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Head Start State Collaboration Office offer ongoing support and guidance for TECPDS. Through partnership with TWC, the Texas Workforce Registry on TECPDS is formally integrated with the Texas Rising Star assessment process for its Category 1 Director and Staff Qualifications and Training measures (learn more about TECPDS for TRS). State and local funding offered opportunities to continue enhancing the tools and resources on the system, including the Find My Career Pathway tool to better guide professional development planning, the Texas Trainer Registry, a statewide job board, and more.