Early Childhood Systems Collective Impact Project
The Early Childhood Systems (ECS) Collective Impact Project was created to re-envision a coordinated approach to program implementation designed to advance equitable early childhood and family well-being outcomes across federal programs that support expectant parents, children ages 0 to 8, and their families. The project developed recommendations to improve – and tools to support – alignment, coordination, and equity across five key program elements: program eligibility, needs assessments, outcomes and performance measures, well-being goals and metrics, and equity goals and actions.
The ECS Collective Impact Project webpage includes an overview describing the project background, key goals and activities, and anticipated long-term impact; a brief presenting key findings from interviews that explored needs, challenges, and opportunities related to the key program elements; a catalog and crosswalk with information on statues, regulations, guidance, and program requirements; and recommendations for achieving equitable early childhood and family well-being outcomes through the creation of a coordinated, comprehensive early childhood system.
Each ECS Collective Impact Project recommendation for alignment, coordination, and equity has a series of corresponding federal actions designed to help achieve a re-envisioned early childhood system that can build on the strengths and meet the needs of young children and families.
Overarching Themes for the ECS Collective Impact Project’s Federal Recommendations
- Build a foundation for interagency coordination.
- Align and coordinate key program elements.
- Involve and empower the voices and perspectives of families and care providers.
- Provide leadership for comprehensive, integrated data and research.
Early Childhood Systems (ECS) Collective Impact Project
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) • aspe.hhs.gov
