15 Oct 2008, Lou Ann Gvist
Community collaboration is a critical component of Iowa’s new state-funded voluntary preschool program. School district leaders interested in participating in the preschool program must “convene and conduct” community collaboration to develop a plan that increases access to quality preschool, with priority given to children most in need. Experience shows that effective community collaboration is the key to developing and implementing an integrated system of services ensuring all children and families have access to high-quality preschool.
Research is clear: high-quality preschool benefits young children, particularly those considered most at-risk for school failure. Unfortunately, studies reveal many Iowa children currently do not have access to quality preschool.1 Community collaboration brings different entities to the table and encourages creative, flexible thinking. Comprehensive community planning provides a systematic approach that blends funding streams, coordinates efforts and minimizes the barriers that undermine access to quality preschool.
Collaboration is not unique to Iowa. Communities and states across the nation understand the importance and benefits of a community approach to increasing access to quality preschool. For example, Wisconsin’s Department of Instruction developed a state-wide initiative to promote community collaboration to increase access of quality preschool for four-year olds. More information can be found at http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/Resources_collab.htm ). In 1993, the National Association for the Education for Young Children summarized key elements of various state and community comprehensive early childhood planning efforts2.
- A holistic approach to the needs of children and their families that stresses collaborative planning and service integration across traditional boundaries of child care, education, health and social services.
- Active involvement of all players—providers, practitioners, parents and community leaders from both public and private sectors in all aspects of program planning and delivery.
- Systems that promote and recognize quality through licensing, regulation and accreditation.
- Equitable financing that ensures access for all children and families to high-quality services.
- An effective system of early childhood professional development that provides meaningful opportunities for career advancement to ensure a well-qualified and stable workforce.
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• NIEER (2005) The State of Preschool; The State Preschool Yearbook