ABSTRACT
The School of the 21st Century is based on the belief that high-quality, affordable child care must be institutionalized and available to every child who needs out-of-home care. Educators who join the network are able not only to share ideas and learn from one another but also to contribute to as well as benefit from the social support inherent in an effective network. Other educational practitioners and researchers write about the importance of networking as a strategy for creating systemic change. The state and regional affiliate networks might include among their members principals and 21C program coordinators and/or central office staff, as well as representation from other agencies working in collaboration with the schools. Networks associated with programs support implementation efforts and are important for both the short-term success of reform initiatives and in the long term, to ensure widespread implementation. Networks focus on program implementation rather than on the school building and the actual working conditions in the school.
