Collaboration is not a new concept. Dr Kagan concludes that this is due in large part to rapidly changing demographics and data affirming the benefits of early intervention to low-income children. Policymakers are now realizing that a child's ability to succeed in school, and in life, is influenced from birth by all the people with whom the child interacts and all the environments in which he or she learns. This includes parents, of course, but also neighborhoods, child care programs and schools. Thus, it has become clear that if all these players work together, if they understand and support each other's goals and the methods for achieving those goals, children will benefit.
Families are strong when they have the abilities and confidence to nurture their children.
A caring community offers the best hope that families and children will thrive.