Since its inception in 2007, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has focused on creating opportunities for the commonwealthâ??s youngest children to develop and learn to their fullest potential. This goal is accomplished through a framework of supports and systems that help ensure that children and their families have access to high quality services.

OCDEL works with many partners to create opportunities for the commonwealthâ??s children. Parents, schools, child care, early intervention, Head Start, libraries, community organizations and other stakeholders have joined with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning to provide high quality early childhood programs and effective prevention strategies to mitigate challenges faced by families that affect school readiness and academic success.

OCDEL strives to build a strong foundation for children, starting in infancy, through the establishment of a statewide standard for excellence in early care and education and the creation