California Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Fact Sheet

MO-07-0012 CA ECCS

Purpose  

• California is one of 59 projects, nationwide, that has received a five year federal grant to plan, develop and implement collaborations and partnerships to strengthen California’s early childhood system of services for young children and their families.  The current focus includes the identification of recommended screening tools and associated best practices, as well as recognition of critical partners and funding opportunities to provide a seamless delivery of services. 

Ultimate Goal

• The implementation of a comprehensive early childhood system that promotes the health and well-being of young children, enabling them to enter school ready and able to learn, by reducing gaps and improving coordination of services.

Focus Areas

• The five focus areas and additional key areas of concern are described below:

Access to Medical Homes

• Providing comprehensive physical and child development services for all children, including Children with Special Health Care Needs. Providing assessment, intervention and referral of children with developmental, behavioral, or psycho-social problems.
 

Mental Health and Social-Emotional Development

• Availability of services to address the needs of children at-risk for the development of mental health problems. Service delivery pathways to facilitate entrance of at-risk children into appropriate child development and mental health delivery systems. Early Care and Education Services: Services from birth through five years of age that support children’s early learning, development of social competence and health (including medical, mental, dental, vision and other key health services). 

Early Care and Education Services

• Services from birth through five years of age that support children’s early learning, development of social competence and health (including medical, mental, dental, vision and other key health services).

Parent Education

• Services that provide support to parents in their role of prime educators of their children. 

Family Support Services

• Services that address the stressors impairing the ability of families to nurture and support the healthy development of their children.

Funding

• Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau (HRSA MCHB ) Grant.  The Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program administers the State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Grant for California.  Please see the California Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Program for more information. To locate assistance in your area, please see our MCAH Directors and Local Toll Free Numbers Listing.