The earlier you engage stakeholders, the more likely you are to realize key benefits. Inform, consult, and involve partners so that you have better planned, informed, and accountable policies, projects, programs, and services. For CCDF Administrators, the benefits of engagement include improved information flows and policy and program results by tapping into local knowledge and having the opportunity to road-test policy initiatives or proposals with stakeholders. Providing opportunities for input from a diverse group of stakeholders is essential to sound design and implementation of the early childhood system and to carrying out the state’s leadership role in the work. The development of the CCDF Plan can be one of those opportunities to engage stakeholders and families who use services. When you include stakeholders, who represent the full range of geographic, racial, ethnic, and cultural communities in planning, implementation will likely be smoother because problems and solutions are better reflected and identified in the process.

Providing ongoing and meaningful opportunities for communication and input allows stakeholders to contribute as experts in their field, have their issues heard, and contribute to the decisionmaking process. Good communication and engagement can also result in stakeholders and partners who are more encouraged to collaborate to build a system of supports that responds to the needs of young children and families.

Some benefits for all involved include a greater understanding of complex issues, raised awareness, and avoidance of possible misunderstandings.

For a fuller discussion of work in States to focus on local systems development and its connection to state systems development, and the critical role of shared goals along with ongoing communication and feedback, see “Chapter 2: Local Systems Building Through Coalitions” in Rising to the Challenge: Building Effective Systems for Young Children and Families, A BUILD E-Book.