At CSSP, we work to transform systems and strengthen communities by developing and implementing policies and practices that promote justice, advance equity, and eliminate structural bias. We seek the most informed public policies, innovative ideas, and impactful solutions to ensure all children, youth, and families can thrive. We do this by adopting the following pillars as part of our holistic approach to policy-making:

We’re Evidence-Informed, Research-Based, and Results-Driven

Research and Data

We conduct research and highlight data so that our policy recommendations are always evidence-informed and research-based.

Measurable Outcomes

We drive positive change in early childhood systems by focusing on measurable outcomes and metrics.

Practical Guidance

We develop and disseminate practical guidance about how policymakers can use existing evidence to promote better outcomes and improved equity

Case Studies

We prepare and disseminate case studies of exemplary use of evidence by government, community leaders, and service providers

Technical Assistance

We provide high quality technical assistance to decision makers about generating and using evidence.

We’re Collaborative and Constituent-Informed

Shared Learning

Our learning is informed by, and shared with, residents and community partners to support continuous improvement and influence changes in practice, policy, and funding priorities on both a local and national level.

Partnerships

We partner with a variety of groups who can further share positive messages, important research, and powerful policy initiatives throughout the United States.

Issue Proximity

We work to ensure that our messages and recommendations are driven by the people with the closest proximity to the issues.

Coaching and Support

We work with systems and communities to assist and enhance their work, providing coaching and strategy support, training, and technical assistance.

Building Coalitions

We build coalitions, including our Alliance for Racial Equity, and work closely with networks to reveal where policies and practices undermine families—particularly families of color.

We’re Inclusive and Equity-Minded

Innovative Strategies

We co-design and test innovative strategies that improve practice and correct for historic and current institutional racism.

Inclusive Families

We define family in an inclusive way—including single-parent households, families with two parents of the same sex or gender, domestic partners, chosen family, and extended family, among many others—acknowledging that families are organized in different ways, and on their terms.

Innovative Policies

We advocate for inclusive policies at the state and federal level that support families who are immigrants.

Resources

We create and disseminate resources that help people take an active role in tackling some of the most entrenched institutional practices and policies.

We’re Committed to Capacity-Building

Coaching and Support

We work directly with organizations, networks, and communities to assist and enhance their work, providing coaching and strategy support, training, and technical assistance

Skill Building

We provide opportunities for parents and young people to build their skills as  advocates and local leaders in their communities by connecting them with resources in our networks.

Training and Consultation

We deliver trainings, facilitate results-oriented conversations, and provide tailored consultation to public systems,organizations, philanthropic entities, and communities working to advance racial equity.

Resources for All

We create materials and resources that focus on families from different racial/ethnic groups, people who identify as LGBTQ, and people with different documentation statuses, to ensure that we are serving the needs of all stakeholders.

Through our multi-pronged approach, we believe that our work can transform public systems and policies and eventually—in partnership with public and private partners—dismantle systemic racism in the United States and create a healthy and thriving democracy.