• determine early childhood education competencies and systematically link them with professional development and quality rating systems (QRS)
• develop and manage the structure, content, and delivery of effective professional development
• establish the staff qualifications required at each QRS level, encourage teachers to move beyond basic licensing requirements
• organize and direct their funds
• provide incentives and motivation for staff participation in professional development
• create clear partnerships between state organizations to promote integration of systems and more

A call-to-action volume on three of the hottest topics in ECE, Foundations for Teaching Excellence represents today's best thinking about teacher quality and accountability, straight from 20 expert researchers, program directors, and leaders in the ECE policy field. Decision-makers and administrators will consider this book an essential reference as they take the first steps toward statewide, integrated teacher quality systems—and ensure that every young child gets the best possible education.