The Early Childhood Programs Department (ECP) supports high quality early learning experiences designed to promote school readiness. The ECP department includes several quality initiative projects that support the early learning and care (ELC) workforce with professional development, targeted technical assistance, and education stipends towards degree attainment. Additionally, the ECP department works directly with three school districts in the county to provide state-funded preschool spaces. The Local Planning Council (LPC) is an integral component of ECP, tracking countywide data and convening community stakeholders. ECP also works with Curriculum & Instruction to bridge the gap between ELC and the TK-12 continuum.