Integrated Systems

For low-income young children to thrive, their families need access to affordable, high-quality services—such as health and mental health care, early care and learning, and parenting support. States and communities can improve the odds by implementing policies and practices that meet child and family needs in more holistic ways.

States vary greatly in their efforts to integrate services for young children, and much more can be done. One important way that states can make a difference is by maximizing the strategic use of fiscal resources to promote positive outcomes. States can analyze their budgets in terms of their effectiveness regarding healthy early development and school success. They also can respond to potential opportunities—and challenges—that emerge from federal decisions.

In addition to what states can do, integrated community efforts to support the healthy emotional development of young children and families are also critical, especially for children experiencing the greatest risk.

Publications

• Reducing Maternal Depression and Its Impact on Young Children
  Toward a Responsive Early Childhood Policy Framework
  Brief, January 2008
• Local Systems Development
  Short Take No. 6
  Brief, August 2007
• Linking Mental Health and Child Care and Early Education Services
  A Key Topic Resource List
  Bibliography, August 2007
• Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems
  A Key Topic Resource List
  Bibliography, July 2007
• State of the States’ ECCS Initiatives
  Short Take No. 5
  Brief, July 2007