Impediments to Integration of Programs and Services

Communities can support readiness by removing impediments to integrated services for families and children. Such impediments include the following:

• Conflicting eligibility and funding requirements, which often lead to discontinuity for children and confusion for parents.

• Varying standards, reimbursement rates, and fiscal policies among services, which make it difficult for communities to develop high-quality programs and services.

• Program structures that impede linkages of family support and health services with early childhood programs and schools.

• Funding and program priorities that are set at the state and federal levels and are not in touch with local communities and neighborhoods where needs and services converge.