Network Coordinator Perceptions of Early Childhood Community Systems Building and Development Efforts

Background: Networks for building and developing community systems to support early childhood rely upon volunteer efforts of organization and leadership efforts of coordinators to bring together relevant stakeholders. Aims: : The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of network coordinators from 10 different communities in the All Our Kids Early Childhood Networks initiative in and across one Midwestern state. Methods: : We conducted two focus group interviews with 10 participants who worked as network coordinators in public health district offices. A semi-structured focus group interview guide was used to examine community coordinators’ perceptions related to lessons learned with community systems development efforts around early childhood outcomes. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic network analysis was used to analyze all focus group data. Results: : From interviews with network coordinators, three salient themes emerged: (1) strengths of networks to build systems; (2) challenges for coordinators, such as burnout; and (3) the importance of the networks’ role within the community. Conclusions: : The study contributes to the existing literature by identifying success and hindering factors that impact the implementation process to sustain long-term impact. The findings can be useful for other ongoing state-supported community-based programs across the US.