By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha
Community collaborations can strengthen your early childhood program, expand services for families, and increase your visibility and credibility as a trusted resource in the community. But effective partnerships don’t begin with a phone call—they start with a
plan.
Start with internal planning
Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including:
A clear, shared understanding of your program’s purpose will guide effective partnerships:
Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including:
- What is your mission?
- What strengths and expertise do we bring to the community?
- What challenges do our enrolled families face?
- What support or resources would be most helpful?
- What can we offer potential partners in return?
Clarity about these questions will ensure that your outreach to community members and organizations is focused and meaningful.
Learn about local resources
Begin exploring the services and organizations that exist in your community. These may become valuable
referral partners
or direct collaborators.
Examples include:
- Early intervention services
- Family support agencies
- Mental health providers
- Multilingual tax-preparation volunteers
Knowing these resources helps you connect families with the help they need.
share your space and services
Your early childhood center may be a valuable asset for other groups. Consider offering your space to other programs or groups to strengthen your role as a community hub.
Possibilities include:
- Scouting America or Girl Scout meetings
- Parenting workshops or support groups
- Health screenings or
nutrition programs
- Community committee meetings
participate in community events
Raising visibility in your community opens doors to partnership. Become involved in:
- Neighborhood clean-up days
- Local fairs or festivals
- Library literacy events
- Cultural celebrations
- School district events
These types of interactions naturally build trust and relationships.
build and expand your network
Partnerships often begin with small conversations or shared goals. Stay curious and connected—the more people you meet, the more opportunities arise.
Potential collaborators include:
- Museums
- Public libraries
- Human services departments
- Colleges and universities
- Local schools
- Cooperative Extension services
- Hospitals and clinics
- Banks and financial advisors
- Mental health agencies
- Early intervention programs
Remember: partnerships are mutually beneficial
Successful collaborations are built on:
- Clear communication
- Shared goals
- Appreciation for each other’s strengths
- A commitment to supporting families and the community
Whether the support you receive is financial, advisory, or educational, strong partnerships help everyone thrive.
A final thought
Community partnerships don’t happen overnight. With the proper planning, your early childhood program can become a powerful and connected resource in your neighborhood. Start small, stay open to ideas, and let relationships grow.
