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[x]No. b. Did the Lead Agency consult with other key groups in the development of their professional development framework? [x] Yes. If yes, identify the other key groups: In 2022, the Lead Agency convened a Workforce Taskforce to make recommendations about continued workforce development and professional learning across the state. The taskforce included representatives from advocacy organizations, higher education, family child care, center directors and teachers, and professional organizations. Taskforce recommendations will be used to inform expansion of and updates to the state’s professional development framework during the next state plan period. [ ] No. 6.2.2 Description of the professional development framework a. Describe how the Lead Agency’s framework for training and professional development addresses the following required elements: i. Professional standards and competencies. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about which roles in early childhood education are included (such as teachers, directors, infant and toddler specialists, mental health consultants, coaches, licensors, QIS assessors, family service workers, home visitors). Georgia's Workforce Knowledge and Competencies (WKCs) are a set of professional standards that guide the development of professional learning opportunities for early learning and school-age professionals across the state. The WKCs answer the question, "What should early learning and school-age professionals know and be able to do?" The Lead Agency has recently revised the WKCs for child care administrators, technical assistance providers, and trainers. The Lead Agency has started a review of the WKCs for teachers (last revised in 2017) to determine what updates are required to ensure the WKCs continue to align with best practices in ECE. Additionally, the Lead Agency has ten master’s level mental health professionals who are certified by Georgetown University in Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC). This workforce development effort supports the IECMHC pilot and increases access to mental health services for children and their caregivers. The Lead Agency contracts with the IECMH Consultants to support child care center staff, teachers, children, and their families, providing resources and referring for mental health treatment as needed. ii. Career pathways. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about professional development registries, career ladders, and levels. The Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) tracks the education, training, and career experiences of the state's early learning professionals. Participants in GaPDS are assigned a Career Level that aligns with the state's Career Level Lattice. GaPDS is used by teachers, assistant teachers, child care administrators, family child care providers, state approved trainers, home visitors, technical assistance providers and coaches, and Lead Agency staff. Based on recommendations from the previously mentioned Workforce Taskforce, the career levels will be updated during the state plan period. iii. Advisory structure. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about