The mission of the Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education is to provide
the child care workforce of Palm Beach County with a comprehensive approach to career
development in the field of early childhood education.
About the Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education
Quality education and training are the foundation upon which best practices in early childhood education are built. Research shows that the years between birth and age five are a critical learning period for children, and the quality of an early childhood program depends in large part on the education and training of its teachers.
The Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education operates to create a qualified, well-trained childcare workforce in Palm Beach County, through an effective, comprehensive professional development system that makes education and training opportunities available to all home, center and school based school readiness providers, in order that they are able to positively impact children and families through quality learning environments.
The Institute works closely with many agencies and organizations in order to promote education and training opportunities for teachers of young children that will advance high quality early education programs for young children.
To meet the growing and diverse needs of Palm Beach County, the Institute oversees.
Contact Info
The Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education is housed in the Count and Countess de Hoernle Historic Building located on the campus of the School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. (Map and Directions)
Palm Beach State College at West Palm Beach
812 Fern Street
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Phone: (561) 868-3660
Grace Kolbe, Director
kolbeg@palmbeachstate.edu
(561) 868-3690
Darcy Russo, Assistant Director
russod@palmbeachstate.edu
(561) 868-3663
Anitssa Bermudez, Administrative Assistant II
bermuda1@palmbeachstate.edu
(561) 868-3659
Important Links
Council for Professional Recognition (CDA)
Early Childhood Research and Practice
Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Health Care District of Palm Beach County
Prime Time School Age Care Network
School District of Palm Beach County
University of Florida/IFAS Extension – Palm Beach County
National Associations for Family Childcare
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