The Department of Education's strategic plan supports the establishment of Early Childhood partnerships that focus community resources and educators in order to prepare children to be successful when they enter school. 

Early Childhood Interagency Collaboration: The Rhode Island Department of Education participates in a state level Early Childhood Interagency Task Force that includes family and staff representatives from a variety of state and local constituencies interested in the early care and education of young children.

Since its formation in 1996, this Task Force has facilitated:

• the negotiation of the December, 1997 Interagency Agreement between the RI Department of Education, RI Department of Health, RI Department of Human Services, and the US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.
   

• the development of the Technical Assistance Guide for Promoting Collaboration Among Early Intervention Head Start, Public Schools, and Related Agencies for Children with Disabilities Ages Birth through Five and their Families.
   

• the provision of annual statewide training for local agency and family representatives interested in collaborating in order to provide comprehensive quality inclusive services for young children and their families.

Early Childhood Resources: There are a variety of national and state resources available to support services for young children and their families. To learn more about these resources, please click here.