Kicking Off SSIP Phase II
These steps are also available as a one-page handout: Checklist: 8 Steps to Kicking Off SSIP Phase II
The first step in getting started on Phase II is identifying who will do the work, what they will do, and when and how they will do the work. Planning up-front facilitates clear communication with state staff and stakeholders about the types of work they will be expected to do and the time commitment they are making. States can chose to complete the work through a number of structures, one of which is to develop or use existing teams to plan and oversee implementation. As teams are created it is important for states to be intentional about how stakeholders are actively involved in the work. If teams are used to complete the work of Phase II, defining the purpose and membership of the team and processes they will follow will make the teams more efficient and avoid miscommunication. Four key concepts from Implementation Science will be integrated into this part of the SSIP Phase II Process Guide including: State Leadership Team, Implementation Team, Feedback Loops, and Terms of Reference.
Step 1. Review and address OSEP's recommendations for improving Phase I.
Purpose
- Ensure work is aligned to OSEP's expectations for the state.
Resources
- Feedback from OSEP state contact.
Step 2. Identify the activities and timelines described in Phase I that need to be completed during Phase II.
Purpose
- Ensure that sufficient progress is being made on the activities identified in Phase I.
Resources
- There are no resources listed for this step.
Step 3. Review the requirements for Phase II.
Purpose
- Align planning and deliverables to the requirements OSEP described.
Step 4. Generate an initial Gantt Chart listing the work to be done in Phase II.
Purpose
- Create a visual of the activities and timelines required to complete Phase II.
- Have a tool to track state progress toward completing Phase II.
Resources
Step 5. Identify a staffing structure and those responsible for completing Phase II.
Purpose
- Identify the team or teams that will be responsible for completing Phase II of the SSIP (State Leadership Team, Implementation Teams).
- Complete initial planning of how those teams will coordinate (Linked Teams).
- Identify staff with expertise and interest to support the evaluation design and make sure the team or teams that are completing the planning have access to these staff.
Resources
- Statewide Implementation Guide: Stages of Implementation
- AI Hub Module 3: Implementation teams
- An Integrated Stage-Based Framework for Implementation of Early Childhood Programs and Systems
- Planning Guide to Statewide Implementation, Scale-up, and Sustainability of Recommended Practices
- State Leadership Team Benchmarks of Quality
Step 6. Describe the role of stakeholders in Phase II.
Purpose
- Ensure that various viewpoints and expertise will have a role throughout the development of Phase II.
- Identify the people who need to be invited to participate.
- Ensure that stakeholders are involved in creating the activities and undertaking relevant pieces of the plan.
Step 7. If state uses a State Leadership Team and Local Implementation Teams, invite team members to participate in Phase II.
Purpose
- Alert potential team members to the need for a time commitment.
- Establish the group that will need to be moved through orientation to Phase II.
Step 8. Ensure stakeholders and planning team members have an active role in Phase II.
Purpose
- Increase stakeholder understanding of the findings and conclusions of Phase I.
- Increase the active role of stakeholders for Phase II.
- Increase understanding of the requirements of Phase II.
- Increase focus of stakeholder discussion on the key requirements of Phase II.
- Increase stakeholder engagement in actively planning for Phase II.
- Have an expectation that stakeholders will share these ideas with their networks and bring back relevant ideas.