Building early childhood systems to support child health and development: An analysis of progress in 50 states

Project THRIVE is a public policy analysis and education center in support of State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) Initiatives, which are special grants to Title V Maternal and Child Health Agencies to support the “use of leadership and convening powers to foster the development of early childhood systems.” ECCS work requires intentional efforts to bridge the gaps created by multiple, non-integrated programs and funding streams, as well as development of structures that support for integrated early childhood service systems. METHODS: Analysis of the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) plans, reports, and related documents from 50 states for FY 2005-2006. Qualitative content analysis and systematic review methods were used. A conceptual model and analytic framework which defines the characteristics (benchmarks) of high performing systems was used to ground this research. RESULTS: While 46 states have cross-sector program planning underway, only 14 have started cross-sector fiscal planning. Thirty-seven states are supporting community-level systems integration by: proving incentives for planning, offering technical assistance, and reducing policy barriers. Common, cross-system outcomes or indicators have been developed in 25 states, and 30 states are using mechanisms such as MOU/MOA to support and sustain systems integration. Specific examples of cross-system strategies will be discussed. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis shows: variation in progress across the states, how states are supporting local community efforts, what partnerships being formed, and what strategies for systems change are being applied. Common strengths and weaknesses among state efforts, as well as implications and opportunities for future efforts, will be discussed.