A review of the legislative and policy history of child welfare and early childhood education systems highlights gaps in communication, data sharing and planning between the two agencies. Closing these gaps can have a significant, positive effect on many aspects of the development and achievement of young children within the child welfare system. Using a mixed methods approach, this study analyzed the collaboration that exists in Cuyahoga County between the child welfare system, special education, and general education settings in early childhood for children up to age five. It highlights what strengths and challenges exist within the two Cuyahoga County systems in terms of cross-training, data-based decision making, developmental assessments, service delivery, and parent engagemen
