2006 Reports

Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems That Spend Smarter: Maximizing Resources to Serve Vulnerable Children

Johnson, Kay; Knitzer, Jane

This first Project THRIVE Issue Brief looks through the lens of State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) grant projects to identify ways in which they can promote smarter spending for vulnerable young children as states plan for and implement new, more integrated systems. It has a special focus on promoting social and emotional health and well-being, which is a critical precursor to both later health and school readiness. This analysis will help state officials, community leaders, and advocates take action to ensure the healthy development of children and their families. It builds on the NCCP report: Spending Smarter: A Funding Guide for Policymakers and Advocates to Promote Social and Emotional Health and School Readiness, which describes strategies to maximize existing funding streams by building on federal programs, and a companion report: Resources to Promote Social and Emotional Health and School Readiness in Young Children and Families—A Community Guide, which describes targeted interventions that can help parents and other early care providers, such as home visitors and teachers, be more effective in promoting healthy relationships and reducing challenging behavior in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.