Local Coordinating Organizations - A Toolkit of Resources to Support Local Community Conversations

We know that local entities are best positioned to understand the varying needs for early childhood programs and services in diverse communities throughout the state. That’s why the Early Childhood Leadership Commission unanimously approved recommendations to create the Local Coordinating Organization or LCO model, and why we are so grateful to you for coming together to identify the best LCO for your community.

This Community Conversations Toolkit was created to support a community’s early childhood stakeholders in coming together to discuss the local early childhood system and begin to identify your LCO and plan for the implementation of universal preschool and other early childhood and family support programs in your area.

View the resources below to learn more about LCOs - including who can serve as an LCO, the partners that are necessary to include in your planning, and the responsibilities of the LCO in supporting a birth to 5+ system in your community.

Public-Facing Resources to be Shared with All Participants:

• LCO Background Information Packet: An Information Packet of all of the available information related to LCOs

• LCO Overview Video: 12 Minute Video of LCOs and important information to guide your Community Conversation

• LCO FAQs: An up-to-date list of Frequently Asked Questions about LCOs

• Information Session Recording: Overview of LCOs and introduction to the Toolkit (from April 12, 2022 ECLC Town Hall)

• Next Steps Tools and Resources Folder: A menu of tools and resources to help your community continue to discuss LCOs and plan for universal preschool

Facilitation Resources to be utilized by Early Childhood Councils in supporting these Community Conversations:

• Facilitation Guide: Guidance to help facilitate a productive conversation related to LCOs and planning for UPK

• Standard Participant Agenda and Customizable Participant Agenda: Downloadable agendas to share with your partners ahead of the meeting (Also available is the Standard Participant Agenda in Spanish)

• Customizable Flyer: To promote your Community Conversation with partners and stakeholders (Also available in Spanish)

• Social Media Image 1 and Social Media Image 2: To promote your Community Conversation on social media

We encourage you to reach out to your local Early Childhood Council to join the discussion in your community. View the map HERE to find your local Early Childhood Council.

Thank you for your work to support a comprehensive birth to 5+ early childhood system that serves children and families in your community!!