A Proven Model

Across the country, states are recognizing a simple truth: when early childhood programs are fragmented across multiple agencies, families face barriers—and opportunities are lost. But when states bring programs together under a unified governance structure, the results are more efficient systems, clearer accountability, and better outcomes for children and families.

Why Governance Matters

Early childhood services are often spread across multiple state agencies. This fragmentation can make it harder for families to navigate services and for states to align funding, policy, and delivery systems.

State governance choices directly shape how programs are coordinated, how funding is distributed, and how families access services.

A growing body of evidence - and real-world experience - demonstrates that consolidating early childhood programs into a unified structure helps states:

Reduce duplication and administrative burden
Improve coordination across programs and agencies
Strengthen accountability and data-driven decision-making
Expand access to services for families
Deliver funding more efficiently and effectively

A Bipartisan, National Trend

This approach is not theoretical - it is already happening in states across the country, regardless of political leadership, including:

Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education
Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
Illinois Department of Early Childhood

And there are more - at least 14 states plus Washington, D.C. have consolidated governance structures, and more than 10 states have created dedicated early childhood agencies, while others are actively pursuing alignment.

There is a growing consensus that unified governance is a smart investment.

Importantly, these efforst span red, blue, and purple states alike - underscoring that strengthening early childhood systems is a shared priority.

From Fragmentation to Alignment

Historically, early childhood programs have been managed separately, each with its own rules, funding streams, and oversight. This "siloed" model often leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for collaboration.

State that shift to a systems-based governnance approach - bringing programs together under a unified structure - report:

Greater alignment across education, health and family services
More coherent and family-friendly systems
Stronger partnerships across agencies and communities
Clearer leadership and accountability

While consolidation alone is not a complete solution, it provides the foundation necessary to build a high-quality, coordinated early childhood system.

A Growing Movement

Across the U.S., leaders are increasingly focused on governance as a key strategy for strengthening early childhood systems.

National research confirms:

Early childhood systems are expanding and becoming more complex, making coordination essential
States are increasingly shifting from program-by-program oversight to whole-system governance
There is a sustained movement toward streamlined, cohesive structures to improve outcomes

A broad network of national organizations is driving research, policy development, and technical assistance on early childhood governance. Together, these organizations reflect a unified national focus - building coordinated systems that better serve children and families. Click below to learn more about some of these organization and their work related to early childhood governance.

Prenatal to Three Policy Impact Center at Vanderbilt University - State Governance Structures
Bipartisan Policy Center - Integrated Efficient Early Care and Education Systems
Center for American Progress - States Seek to Improve Early Childhood Outcomes Through Consolidated Governance Structures
Education Commission of the States - Early Care and Education Governance Models
Alliance for Early Success - Numerous States Are Pursuing Strategies for Creating Streamlined, Cohesive ECE Systems
U.S. Administration for Children & Families, Office of Child Care - Early Childhood Governance, A toolkit of curated resources

These resources reflect a growing evidence based and national momentum behind governance reform.

For Nevada, the path forward is clear: A unified approach isn't just possible - it's a proven model.

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