Defining a Well-Functioning Early Childhood System

A well-functioning early childhood system reaches families with the help they need, improves the coordination of services and supports, promotes a climate of support for early childhood, and increases parent engagement and equity. The five measures that define a well-functioning system include foundations, reach, coordination, commitment, and equity. The handout is a component of the Center for the Study of Social Policy’s Early Childhood System Performance Assessment Toolkit.