Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the ways in which private funding can support family engagement initiatives for publicly funded early childhood education programs.Methodology. This study used a qualitative case study design to explore the following central research question: "How can public-private partnerships serve as a mechanism for funding family engagement initiatives in publicly funded ECE programs?" This study explored one specific public-private partnership through semistructured interviews with public service professionals subcontracted to provide services to families through this partnership. This study utilized a snowball sampling approach to identify a sample within a limited population that the researcher did not already have direct access to. The researcher used an interview protocol to ensure reliability of the study. To validate the study, the researcher engaged in reflexivity, conducted peer examination of the interview protocol, and member checked the data prior to analysis.Findings. Three overarching themes emerged with regard to how public-private partnerships can serve as a mechanism for funding family engagement initiatives in publicly funded ECE programs. These themes were (a) passion, (b) relationships, and (c) change.Conclusion. This study revealed that passion for the work of family engagement is a part of a successful public-private partnership. The findings also indicate that relationships serve to support and measure success within family engagement focused public-private partnerships. Finally, the data collected indicate that public-private partnerships specific to family engagement programming effect change across stakeholders.Recommendations. Future research should seek to add to the existing literature by exploring other public-private partnerships doing similar work across different areas and with different demographics of families. This research has direct implications for funding entities that seek to support family engagement in the field of early childhood education. This study also adds to the growing body of research focused on supporting families of young children.