This guide, developed by the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA), is based on implementation science research and the collective experiences of federally funded technical assistance centers in conducting statewide system change initiatives. The guide includes critical implementation activities for five implementation stages (e.g., Exploration, Installation, Initial Implementation, Full Implementation, and Expansion/Scale-up). Outcomes are also provided for each of the stages.

A Pre-Test can be used to determine status of implementation. The companion State-Level and Local-Level Self-Assessments can be used by leadership teams as they guide and evaluate the systematic implementation, expansion, and sustainability of new practices or innovations. The tools provide a way to systematically assess outcomes that have been achieved and to determine outcomes that need to be addressed.