Preliminary findings from the literature review presented at the Technical Work Group Meeting for the study of Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships

On May 6, 2014, Mathematica Policy Research held a technical work group meeting of experts to provide input on materials developed as part of the Study of Early Head Start (EHS)-Child Care Partnerships, funded by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation in the Administration for Children and Families. Materials presented at the meeting included (1) preliminary findings from the literature review and (2) a theory of change model. The literature review examines studies on partnerships in the field of early childhood education, such as partnerships among Head Start/Early Head Start, child care, and state prekindergarten programs. Preliminary findings from the literature review focus on characteristics and components of partnerships; potential benefits and common barriers to forming and sustaining partnerships; promising models or features of partnerships to improve quality and support child development and family well-being; and identifying gaps in the existing research. The literature review is designed to guide the theory of change model and to inform future research and practice. The theory of change model represents a comprehensive and broad range of inputs, activities, short- and long-term outcomes, and organizational and contextual factors that could be associated with Early Head Start-child care partnerships. (author abstract)