All Our Children: Outcomes & Indicators for Minnesota's Young Children and Families.

N

16

Benchmarking; Child Welfare; Children; Early Childhood Education; Family Programs; Family (Sociological Unit); Program Evaluation; Well Being

Minnesota's Interagency Early Childhood Network, which includes representatives of early childhood, family, and health-related programs from four state agencies, developed this set of outcomes and indicators measuring the well-being of children and families. The outcomes and indicators are designed to be a source for community programs that focus on young children and their families. They can serve as benchmarks of progress to: (1) guide discussions with state and local policymakers, potential funders, and community members; (2) enhance existing programs and services by providing a focus for evaluating progress in meeting community priorities; and (3) promote healthy and child-focused communities. Seven outcomes (broad statements of intent) are listed, and several indicators (quantitative or qualitative measures of the extent to which the outcomes are being achieved) are given for each outcome. The outcomes are: (1) families and communities provide a safe and stable environment for their children; (2) families are supported by their communities; (3) families have adequate economic resources to appropriately provide their children; (4) children and families are healthy and well nourished; (5) parent and child relationships are positive and nurturing; (6) all children and their families have access to quality early childhood care and education; and (7) children reach their individual development potential. (EV)

1999

ED424980