Resources: Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan

• This tool includes a list of federally mandated needs assessments. Needs Assessment Chart 
• The Application Guide (listed on the landing page) includes an appendix with Needs Assessment Questions. This document is a fillable version of that list. Appendix A: Needs Assessment Questions
• The purpose of the ECTA System Framework is to guide state Part C and Section 619 Coordinators and their staff in evaluating their current systems; identifying potential areas for improvement, and; developing more effective, efficient systems that support implementation of evidence-based practices. A System Framework for Building High-Quality Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs 
• This tool will help state and community leaders improve the capacity of their early childhood system. Comprehensive Early Childhood System-Building: A Tool to Inform Discussions on Collaborative, Cross-Sector Planning
• The Early Childhood Systems Building Resource Guide is designed to support Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State Administrators (SAs) in their pursuit of system-building initiatives. Early Childhood Systems Building Resource Guide
• Practical information from the Office of Child Care on successful state system building initiatives: System Building State Highlights
• A tool from the Office of Child Care designed to identify capacities, and related strengths and challenges to inform system planning: Capacity Building Self-Assessment Tool
• This Self-Assessment Tool for Early Childhood Programs Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness has been specifically designed for child care, Head Start and Early Head Start, and public pre-k programs as a guide for welcoming and supporting families and children experiencing homelessness into these programs. Self-Assessment Tool For Early Childhood Programs Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness
• How do we ensure that children enter school eager to learn and ready to succeed? By helping young children develop solid intellectual and emotional foundations, starting at birth and even before. Ready for School: The Case for Including Babies and Toddlers As We Expand Preschool Opportunities

• This toolkit from ZERO TO THREE is designed to assist state policy leaders and advocates in assessing the current status of services for infants, toddlers, and their families, and to set priorities for improvement. The toolkit is divided into content sections focused on four goals of a state early childhood system: good health, strong families, positive early learning experiences, and collaboration and system building. Infants And Toddlers in the Policy Picture: A Self-Assessment Toolkit For States

Comprehensive Services