Head Start and Preschool Partnerships: Lessons Learned from Preschool Development Grantees

Partnerships between Head Start and state preschool programs can improve quality, expand access, and provide more options for families by leveraging the resources and expertise of both programs. This brief presents lessons from four Preschool Development Grant (PDG) states - Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Vermont - to present of evidence-based benefits, effective strategies, and challenges to overcome. Successful partnership models include strategies such as co-location and shared staffing. These and other real-life examples provide insights for communities seeking to establish their own partnerships.