The statewide Early Childhood Education Compact and Elementary Education Compact were established to strengthen teacher education throughout the public higher education system, increase the diversity of the teacher workforce, and broaden career opportunities in teaching for community college students. Each compact was developed by a working group of arts and sciences faculty, education faculty, college administrators, and Board of Higher Education staff. Both compacts were signed by the presidents of all public higher education institutions.
The working group for the Early Childhood Education Compact also included representatives from the Office of Child Care Services (now the Department of Early Education and Care) and incorporates the requirements for lead teachers at regulated programs.