Needs Assessment Findings
Accessibility
Families with young children experience inequitable access to high-quality programs and services across the broader early childhood system.
Availability
Families with young children experience a gap between the services that are available and their actual needs, disproportionately affecting vulnerable and underserved populations.
Navigation
Families must adopt a “connect the dots” approach to navigate services across sectors; disruptors are frequent and common.
Workforce
Early childhood workforce needs at both the leadership and direct service levels include preparation, compensation/financial relief, ongoing training and support, and recruitment and retention.
Facilities
Needs exist related to the physical conditions and environments of early childhood facilities across the state.
Collaboration
Early childhood providers and stakeholders share a desire for collaboration and cooperation, but these efforts are often disconnected and uncoordinated.
Systems Alignment
Greater systems alignment is needed to fully realize an efficient and robust early childhood care and education infrastructure.
Bright Spots
Efficient, innovative, and responsive efforts are occurring among early childhood care and education system partners in communities throughout the state.