Facilitating the development of a strategic plan to strengthen the early childhood care and education continuum for young children and their caregivers.
The Challenge
Gathering input from statewide stakeholders and writing a comprehensive strategic plan over an abbreviated period in order to meet a deadline from the federal Administration for Children and Families.
The Outcome
Our team developed a three-year early childhood strategic plan in partnership with multidisciplinary stakeholders, including state program leads, early childhood care and education providers, advocates and philanthropy, and families of children.
Values-Centered Approach
We embraced the Ikaso values of collaboration and curiosity as we brought together stakeholders and facilitated in-depth conversations about the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the early childhood continuum. Using a person-centered approach, we engaged with families with young children as well as direct service providers. These conversations enabled us to vision a future state of many perspectives.
Highlighted Results
1,150+ stakeholders engaged. The team solicited input from stakeholders across the state via strategic planning sessions, focus groups, and a survey for parents in both English and Spanish.
12 goals with defined outcomes and detailed action steps. The strategic planning committee developed 12 goals to address early childhood care and education quality and capacity, the early childhood workforce, school readiness and transitions, family and caregiver supports, and collaboration and data integration.
