In 2026, we are taking a closer look at the Office of Childhood (OOC) by exploring different programs that work together to strengthen children and families, and the professionals that support them. In this year’s newsletter series, we will spend each month highlighting different OOC programs. OOC is composed of many unique and connected parts, and each plays an important role. Together, all these programs are part of a larger system that supports families statewide. Our intent is to show how OOC programs fit together to create a better understanding of the work.

As part of our yearlong journey through the Office of Childhood (OOC), this month we are highlighting the Missouri Professional Development (MOPD) system.

The MOPD system is Missouri’s online platform supporting the early childhood and afterschool workforce. MOPD serves as a hub for childhood educators to learn and grow professionally and for programs to improve their quality with coaching and recognition, while maintaining compliance with child care licensing and subsidy. The MOPD system contains a workforce registry, training calendar, learning management system, Quality Assurance Report module, and coaching and technical assistance records for many quality initiatives – all in one convenient place.

Who Uses MOPD?

• Educators: can have a living resume to track their personal records- such as employer and training history, certifications, qualifications & career progression, and receive a level(s) on DESE’s Selected Occupation Charts. Tools like self‑assessments, coaching, career growth plans, and quality improvement resources are available. Their employer can help them track their DESE requirements.
• Administrators: track their staff’s records for compliance or quality improvement. They can share tasks with other administrators to share forms in a document vault, track curriculums, apply for and manage their entire QAR journey, receive notes from coaches, and add documentation to fulfill grant requirements.
• Trainers and Training Organizations: submit courses or conferences for approval, post training events on publicly searchable calendar allowing online sign-up, award clock hours to attendees, and receive post session evaluations.

Why MOPD Matters for Missouri?

By capturing workforce data, the MOPD system gives Missouri valuable insights into the early childhood and afterschool workforce. This data helps inform policy decisions, strengthen quality supports, and ultimately improve the quality of care and learning environments across the state. In the long run, MOPD helps build a stronger, more prepared workforce—supporting high‑quality programs for children and families statewide. People who educate and care for children need programs that support their efforts to increase quality and provide children with the best opportunities for success.