Effective early care and education (ECE) policy requires input from practitioners in the field, so Child360 and Early Edge California went directly to ECE professionals to seek their feedback. In Fall 2019, we surveyed Los Angeles-based ECE providers and lead teachers about their training and coaching preferences, their professional skills and knowledge, barriers they face in recruiting and retaining teachers, and their experience working with Dual Language Learners (DLLs) and partnering with families. After reviewing and synthesizing this data, we held two focus groups with providers and lead teachers that enabled us to further explore issues that were addressed in the survey. Key findings from the survey and focus groups indicate a need for: 1. Training and higher education coursework on: a. working with children with challenging behaviors b. supporting Dual Language Learners and their families c. serving children with special needs d. trauma-informed care 2. Mental health professionals who can work with teachers to support children with challenging behaviors 3. Fair compensation for ECE professionals 4. Paid professional development trainings for early childhood professionals 5. Funding for substitutes when trainings are held on a weekday. (author abstract)