Successful Start

Mission

Successful Start is an early childhood system building initiative with over 200 stakeholders, including leadership from state and community agencies. In 2003?2005 a strategic plan for early childhood systems and services was developed, with HEALTH facilitating the implementation of components of the plan since 2005. Successful Start focuses on coordinating five system components: Medical Homes, Social and Emotional Health, Early Care and Education, Parent Education, and Family Support. The Steering Committee works to ensure that the state agencies have consistent policies; funding streams are maximized and blended; gaps in services are identified; and families are able to access and receive needed services.

2010 Accomplishments and Milestones

• Expanded comprehensive evidence-based program for families with young children at high risk.
• Created a fee for service, evidenced-based model of Child Care Health Consultation.
• Worked with stage agency and community partners to develop a model of community based mental health services for young children graduating from intensive programs.

Key Focus Areas

• Early Care & Education
• Medical Homes/Health Care
• Parent Education & Family Support
• Social-Emotional Development

Partners

• State departments
• Community-based agencies
• Child care providers
• Health care and mental health professionals
• Advocates and parents of young children.

Funding

Successful Start is supported by an Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.