As programs serving young children and their families increasingly work together to provide services, written agreements or contracts become more important in clarifying the roles of each partner in the collaboration. This document provides guidance in developing written agreements between Head Start programs and other programs or agencies. The…

The purpose of this document is to facilitate discussion among decision makers at the Iowa Department of Education (DE), Area Education Agencies (AEAs) and local communities (including school districts) to establish early childhood priorities, and define the AEA role in the statewide efforts to build a strong early care, health, and education…

This manual aims to help communities develop a plan to improve services to children from birth to 3 years of age who are chronically ill or disabled, and their families. Section I provides background information needed to begin a Community Approach to an Integrated Service System (CAISS) committee in a community. It addresses the issue that…

This manual provides detailed, step-by-step information on developing and writing an interagency agreement to facilitate the transition of young (age 3) children with disabilities from early intervention programs into preschool educational services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Worksheets are provided throughout…

In view of the pending reauthorization of Head Start in 2003, this paper presents information on the effectiveness of Head Start, alternatives to Head Start, program funding, performance standards, and other issues germane to its reauthorization. Topics considered in the question-and-answer format of the report are: (1) Head Start benefits for…

This set of effectiveness indicators is intended to assist Colorado communities and agencies to evaluate themselves regarding processes for the identification of young children (birth to age 5) with disabilities. First, a statement of values stresses proactivity, family empowerment, and outcome orientation. Specific effectiveness indicators are…

Agency coordination and cooperation is necessary to establish quality educational programs in rural areas. An example of rural agency cooperation in Tennessee involves business and industry, church, vocational center, community college, United Way, and state and federal agencies in administering, equipping, staffing, and funding a child care and…

This article describes development of a collaboration between early intervention service providers and children's librarians to address parental needs for information, referral, and support; provision of inclusion and socialization opportunities for infants and toddlers in local community libraries; and strategies for delivering early intervention…