Leading the Implementation of the Strategies for Children Community Readiness Initiative

Abstract

Strategies for Children (SFC) is a nonprofit organization that works to expand access to high-quality preschool for all Massachusetts children. In 2015, under the guidance of a revised strategic plan, the organization undertook a new approach to its work by focusing on improving the preschool infrastructure in local communities. This capstone examines my leadership of the initial phase of the strategic plan implementation. I focused much of my effort on evaluating the needs, barriers, and attitudes surrounding access to preschool in the community. As a result of these discussions, I was able to exercise influence on the development of a community plan for preschool led by the local school district. The impact of my work on how SFC performs community work was less conclusive. I utilized Harvard Kennedy School of Government Professor Mark Moore's Strategic Triangle framework to examine how the manner in which I sought to establish legitimacy and support and to build organizational capacity might help to explain why my project proceeded as it did. My project raises questions for STC about what "community" means to the organization and how it approaches community work. One implication of my work for the sector is that preschool needs can vary by community and therefore input should be sought from a diverse set of stakeholders early in any planning process.