The work of the NC ECDTL will strengthen professional development outcomes for staff in service of improved outcomes for children and families enrolled in HS and/or EHS programs. To accomplish this, the NC ECDTL will have expertise in areas including, but not limited to, effective teaching and home visiting practices that support early childhood development and school readiness through inclusive and developmentally appropriate play-based learning. This includes practices that promote equitable learning opportunities that are responsive to children’s culture, language(s), and ability, and lead to school readiness for all children enrolled in Head Start programs.