Partnering for Good or Harm? Cross-Sector Partnering, Childcare, Pre-K, and Community Vitality

• In Event: Supporting Family, School, and Community Partnerships in an Early Childhood Context

Abstract

Many states have increased free prekindergarten (PreK) opportunities for three- and four-year-olds. An unintended consequence of PreK in some areas has been a suppressed capacity for infant and toddler care. Cross-sector partnering, in which school districts and early care and education programs collaborate to provide PreK, may impact capacity for child care. To better understand cross-sector partnering, this study examines PreK partnering rates over time (2007-2016) across all New York State. We find reduced levels of partnering, but also that PreK partnering is linked to reduced community capacity for infant care. This reinforces the need to understand how schools and communities work together to form more effective community partnerships.

Authors

• John W. Sipple, Cornell University

• Hope G. Casto, Skidmore College

• Lisa McCabe, Cornell University

• Peter Cody Fiduccia, Cornell University

• Kristie Nicole LeBeau, Cornell University