The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's strategic plan supports the establishment of early childhood partnerships that focus community resources and educators in order to prepare children to be successful when they enter school.  The Office for Diverse Learners (ODL) supports Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and community-based early childhood programs to develop high quality early childhood education programs for young children.  In addition, families are their child’s first teacher and, as such, resources have been developed to assist families in supporting their child’s growth and development in all domains of learning. 

The early childhood work in the Office for Diverse Learners is focused on supporting four primary goals:

1. Increasing access to high-quality early childhood education programs for all children,
2. Supporting the professional development of early childhood professionals,
3. Providing information to families about how they can support their child’s learning,
4. Ensuring that children with developmental delays or disabilities are identified and have access to specialized services and supports.