The IdahoSTARS project works to promote best practices for child care professionals and programs. The Director of Academic and Professional Certifications plays a key role in this work by promoting, providing access to, and recognizing ongoing professional development in Idaho’s Early Childhood (EC) workforce. The Director is responsible for supporting efforts to increase qualifications of the EC workforce using IdahoSTARS Professional Development System incentives and awards. The Director works with internal and external partners across Idaho to promote and recognize the achievement of a CDA credential or early childhood academic degree. The Director analyzes data, develops outreach, and implements continuous quality improvement activities to meet the objectives of the IdahoSTARS strategic plan as well as advance the mission of Idaho AEYC.