Cross-Sector Collaboration in Hawaiʻi’s Early Childhood Mixed-Delivery System

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Learning, Collaboration, and Efficacy for Educational Change

Abstract

Collaboration is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for driving systemic change across sectors, including in education. This presentation provides empirical insights into how collaboration supports systemic change in early childhood education (ECE) in Hawai‘i. Drawing on a mixed-method approach, the study explores the experiences and perceptions of collaborative processes within the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Renewal Grant (PDG B-5) Support Team. Collaborative vitality survey findings reveal high levels of engagement and perceived strengths in community, productivity, and synergy, suggesting that the team operates as a cohesive unit with a shared commitment to advancing Hawai‘i’s ECE system. Finally, this study highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in sustaining interagency initiatives that drive educational change.

Authors

• Manca Sustarsic, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

• Nicole Schlaack, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa