Enterprising and innovative community partnerships are key elements that influence services used to support children and families. Partnerships and collaborative relationships provide continuity and offer new opportunities to improve services for children and families. Head Start and Early Head Start programs develop collaborative relationships with community organizations to promote the access of children and families to community services.  These partnerships insure that Head Start and Early Head Start programs with their community partners are responsive to the needs and issues of families with young children.

Establishing interagency partnerships within local communities is an important aspect of providing quality Head Start services. NEMCSA maintains formal agreements with local agencies, in all funded counties, such as the District Health Department, Community Mental Health, Early On (early intervention) and Project Find (special education), Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C), Department of Human Services (DHS) and MSU Extension services.

Outreach efforts are central to ensuring that all eligible children and families receive Head Start services. Program staff actively participate in interagency groups such as the Health Services Advisory Committee, Multi-Purpose Collaborative Body, Local Interagency Coordinating Council, Early Childhood Advisory Council, Family Enrichment Coalition, Birth to Three Providers Group, Community Coordinated Childcare Board, Regional Infant Mental Health, Child Protection Council, and the Breast-Feeding Coalition; as well as a variety of local initiatives and community-based activities.