Indicators for Improving Services for
Young Children and Families

Collaborative Planning

• A broad base of stakeholders have come together to find common ground, determine assets, and develop a "blended" approach for community supports.

Funding

• Different funding streams are utilized to support the facility such as: education (kindergarten aids, special education, Title I part A or B), Head Start, child care, health.
• Program and community resources are shared among programs.

Facilities

• Several programs are housed in one facility; such as child care, Head Start, public school, disability services, parent education and support, family resource, health care, or social services.
• The facility is supports children with appropriate environments.
• The facility supports parents with a parent room and/or resource center.

Program/Services

• Children are in similar classrooms, not classrooms segregated by program type, family income, or child's ability/disability.
• The curriculum follows developmentally appropriate practices which are responsive to child's learning style, age, ability/disability and cultural/family values.
• Facility/service is available a minimum of 9 hours a day.
• Facility/service is available at least 45 weeks a year.
• Children's goals, objectives, outcomes are jointly planned.
• Support services exist to meet the individual needs of children such as disability services.
• Access exists to health care services such as WIC clinics, immunizations, etc.A family centered philosophy offers partnerships with parents in all phases.
• A range of services are available which support families in their parenting and working roles such as parent education, Family Literacy, and adult education.

Community Based

• Center serves as a neighborhood hub making connections/referrals to other providers and the community at large to ensure access to comprehensive supports for the child and familiy.

Staffing Patterns

• Staffing patterns support low adult child ratio and team teaching.
• Staff development supports career ladders and professional development.

Shared Governance

• Shares responsibility among families, providers, the public sector, and the private sector.
• Staff and families play an important role in deciding how funds are spent and how programs operate.

Accountability

• Accountability is results based.
• There is ongoing evaluation/assessment by all stakeholders.

For questions about this information, contact Jill A. Haglund (608) 267-9625

Last updated on 2/25/2008 9:07:49 AM