It is supported primarily by Part C funds but also by other federal sources including Part B, Section 619 Preschool, and Head Start. The primary agencies and organizations that make up the state TA system are the Lead Agency and organizations outside the Lead Agency supported by contracts including the Tolbert Center, the State Health Department, and the Department of Human Services. Secondary clients include other programs which serve the early childhood population such as Head Start, Part B Preschool, local day care providers, Parents as Teachers, Even Start and other Health Department programs. Clients are divided into 11 geographic regions within an integrated statewide system. Trained staff in these regions provides on-going technical assistance.
Parents can attend any training that is offered through the TA system.
Ways technical assistance is provided TA is occasionally provided through statewide conferences. Local team leaders have been trained to provide coaching and mentoring and group process facilitation. Distance learning technologies are not utilized currently, but are projected for the future. An annual needs assessment is sent to all service providers and service coordinators annually as well as to Head Start, child care providers, and Section 619 Preschool providers. Priorities are set and TA planned primarily based on the results of the needs assessment and on results from monitoring.