The Nuts and Bolts of Building Early Childhood Systems through State/Local Initiatives

This paper, an update of a 2014 version, highlights the significant benefit of developing statewide community-level infrastructure as a core component of a statewide early childhood system. The recommendations and reflections stem directly from the learnings from more than 20 models across the nation and highlight elements from the 12 most successful states. The document begins with core principles of inclusive systems design. It underscores the importance of alignment and communication and offers eight key elements of approaches that are working well in state/local models across the nation.

The paper is written for people who care about and are interested in bringing equity and alignment into local and state systems of care, health, and education. State and community policy leaders are the primary audience, as they lead state and local efforts to bring greater alignment into the systems within which they work. The document can also be helpful to anyone who cares about and has a leadership role within policy and practices that intersect with children and families at any systems level. The goal is to share successes and lessons learned with those who are envisioning or working toward creating a statewide system that connects the state’s work on behalf of young children with the early childhood work of communities. This helps ensure that all children and their families are included and have the experiences and resources they need to thrive.