Community partners may provide health, behavioral health, or safety services and resources to families and early childhood providers. The collaboration between early childhood staff, families, and community agencies builds positive relationships that can promote positive, enduring change for children, families, and communities.

Explore examples of possible partners below.

Civic Organization Members

Groups such as the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, and Kiwanis have missions to serve the needs of their communities. Some of these clubs fundraise and volunteer to build or repair playgrounds. They may donate safety equipment such as smoke detectors and window guards or assistive devices such as eyeglasses and hearing aids. Some even provide evidence-based vision and hearing screenings.

Community-based Mental Health Agency Staff

These agencies may offer a range of accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive mental health services aimed at addressing the mental health needs of individuals and families regardless of backgrounds or income.

Dental Hygienists

Schools of dental hygiene and state professional associations of dental hygienists may be able to provide services such as some dental care, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants, as well as facilitate access to dentists.

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Staff

These federally funded, community-based health care facilities provide primary care services. FQHCs help low-income individuals, uninsured or underinsured populations, and those living in rural areas or medically underserved areas get physical, oral, and behavioral health care.

First Responders

Police and fire department officials and emergency medical services (EMS) are public safety experts. Their experience and resources can help programs plan for and respond to emergencies, crises, and disasters. Partnerships with first responders can reduce harm and save lives.

Grocery Store and Food Bank Managers

Both grocery store and food bank managers play roles in ensuring access to nutritious food for families. Their ability to address food affordability and availability can sustain and contribute to the well-being of children, families, and staff.

Health Care Provider Association Representatives 

Professional health and behavioral health organizations are committed to the health and well-being of children and families. They could be involved in a program’s advocacy efforts, parent education, policy review, and staff training.

Health Department Staff

State, tribal, territorial, and local public health departments establish regulations, promote recommendations, and provide resources to prevent disease, promote health and wellness, and respond to public health emergencies.

Hospitals

Community hospitals are part of the health care system, providing essential medical services, promoting health and wellness, and fostering strong connections with the communities they serve. Their departments of pediatrics, developmental health, psychiatry, and family practice have experts that can guide program policies and procedures.

LEA Representatives

LEA are typically school districts, but they can also include charter schools, county offices of education, and regional educational agencies. LEAs are responsible for providing special education services and support to students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part B Section 619 of the IDEA provides early childhood special education and related services for young children, ages 3 to 5 years. They develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), coordinate special education resources, and ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate educational accommodations and services in the least restrictive environment. Depending on a child’s IEP, a Head Start program may be the least restrictive environment where the child may receive specialized services.

School Nurses

Many children leave their early childhood program to enter a school with a school nurse. School nurses are often the only health care provider in a school. School nurses manage a child’s health record; ensure each child meets state, tribal, territorial, and local requirements; screen students for health concerns; and assist in the management of chronic health conditions and special health care needs.

Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Programs

These programs support people living with substance use disorders (SUDs) to improve their health and well-being. These programs encompass a range of services and interventions aimed at addressing SUDs comprehensively. Some programs also serve children and other family members impacted by SUDs.

Transportation Authorities

Accessible, affordable, and sustainable transportation options are important to the quality of life for residents, particularly those without access to a personal vehicle. Without reliable public transportation children and families may not be able to get to medical appointments, grocery stores, quality early childhood programs, and places of employment.

Tips and Strategies to Recruit and Engage Community Partners

• Invite partners to visit your program.
• Offer “lunch and learn” meetings at the offices of health professionals.
• Share your program newsletters with community partners.
• Invite providers and agencies to an on-site health fair where they can talk about how they support families.
• Ask providers how your program can help them support their own clients.
• Provide local health care offices and family support agencies with Head Start recruitment materials such as posters, brochures, and flyers they can share with eligible families.
• Use Foundations for Fostering Partnerships in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs to explore the basics of community partnerships to build relationships that streamline services and resources for children and families. The Partnership Development Checklist identifies important issues to address when working with multiple partners and funding sources.

Last Updated: August 13, 2024