Early Childhood Systems*

What are the services, programs, and professionals that families and young children interact with in the first 5 years of life?

Health & Wellbeing

Health & Wellbeing
Services that address the development, physical health, and mental health of young children, their caregivers, and their relational wellbeing.
Community Engagement

Community Engagement
Community-based services that engage with young children and families
Family & Caregiver Support

Family & Caregiver Support
Services that address the health and wellbeing - physical, behavioral, social, and economic - of parents, families, and caregivers of young children
Education & Care

Education & Care
Services focused on the social, emotional, and cognitive growth of young children taking place in a setting without their parent or caregiver present
SYSTEMS GAP: the early childhood "non-system"

Many of the services that families and children engage with are connected to multiple systems. However, this does not mean that the systems themselves interact in reality. In fact, many services for young children and their families operate in isolation from each other. This leads to ineffectiveness, inefficiency, and significant equity issues. Families who possess social capital and strong networks to navigate various systems are able to access what they need, when they need it; families without these advantages may have significant challenges.