The New Jersey First Steps Infant/Toddler Initiative was created to assist early educators in offering the very best possible care for New Jersey’s youngest citizens. Three regional agencies, Programs for Parents, Inc. (northern), Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County (central), and the Southern Regional Child Care Resource Center, EIRC (southern) will serve as lead agencies for the 16 child care resource and referral agencies across the state. The agencies will employ Infant/Toddler Specialists who will partner with early care providers and their directors, by providing professional development, technical assistance, consultation services, program assessment and resources.