National Survey to identify initiatives focused on improving outcomes for families

The Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) is conducting a national search for comprehensive, integrated, multi-sector initiatives focused on improving outcomes for the population of young children and families who reside in a defined, local geographic area (i.e., neighborhood, city, or county). Of specific interest are initiatives that promote optimal health and well-being of families with children fromthe prenatal period through eight years of age.

The purpose of this search is twofold: (1) to identify and “map” the current landscape of exemplary and promising community-focused, early childhood initiatives; and (2) to begin to build learning and networking opportunities across interested initiatives and other key partners.

CSSP is particularly interested in identifying local community/neighborhood initiatives that:
• Are grounded in supporting the importance and role of families in raising healthy and resilient children.
• Are using intentional developmental activities that work to increase parental skills and capacities and build the full range of protective factors shown to improve outcomes for children.
• Are working to align and integrate multiple sectors and systems critical to early childhood development, i.e. parenting, health, mental health, early learning and development, and family leadership and support.
• Use shared results across multiple sectors to drive change and improve outcomes for young children and their families.
• Analyze data to inform continuous system, program, and practice improvements and innovations.
• Seek to strengthen social networks, a sense of community, and opportunities for leadership and collective action among residents.
• Wish to share lessons learned that could inform other community-level efforts to improve the health and well-being of young children and their families.

To participate in the survey, go to http://CSSPearlychildhoodcommunities.questionpro.com. This project is led by the Early Childhood – Learning Innovation Network for Communities (ECLINC) at CSSP.

For more information on EC-LINC or to provide contact information for exemplary, place-based early childhood initiatives that fit the above criteria, please contact: Rachel Schumacher at rachel.schumacher@cssp.org.