Public-Private Partnerships in Early Childhood Education and Preschool Preparedness Programs
Date
2011-10
Authors
Carson, Elizabeth D.
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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to gauge the United Way Capital Area's Success-By-Six early childhood education program's partnerships with private and public collaborators (partners) against the practical ideal type partnership design. A practical ideal type partnership has three main categories: 1) partnership purpose, 2) partnership accountability, and 3) partnership communication.
Methodology: A case study of the Capital Area's Success-By-Six partnership was conducted. Information is collected using face-to-face structured interviews and document analysis. Information was evaluated according to a scoring system. Relevant documents were also analyzed to supplement the interview notes.
Findings: The study finds that the Capital Area's Success-By-Six partnership generally met or exceeded standards in all three key areas, but should work toward improving a few key partnership elements. Based on these findings, the following recommendations are made. Partners should: create a partnership contract or written document that states the mission statement and specific goals of the partnership; develop a comprehensive document outlining the partnership's desired outcomes, how the leadership came up with those goals, and how they plan to achieve them; develop a documented evaluation plan; enhance the measurable goals they currently have in place by determining specifically how they are going to evaluate programs and measure success; and finally, develop a joint partnership budget for early childhood needs in Austin.
Description
An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Fall 2011.
Keywords
education, preschool, partnership, purpose, communication, Public Administration
Citation
Carson, E. (2011). Public-private partnerships in early childhood education and preschool preparedness programs. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.