What Is a Stakeholder?
Stakeholders are those groups or individuals who have a vested interest in the success of something. For
Early Childhood and Out of School Time programs, stakeholders are the groups and individuals that have a
vested interest in the well-being of the children and families that are being served.
The intent of developing a stakeholder list is to recognize the impact that an early learning facility has on the
larger community and vice versa as well as to identify relevant individuals or groups that are impacted by or
impact your community. Connections within and among the community strengthen the program for families
and children. Understand and developing stakeholders is good business practice for client referrals,
knowledge and connections to resources for families, development of program community reputation etc.
The relevant stakeholders can vary from one context to another. For example, when children transition to
elementary school, the stakeholders might be identified as the parents or the school the child is moving into.
Developing a stakeholder list is sufficient to meet the standard at STAR 2. At higher STAR levels, there must
be additional actions taken. Using the same example as above, the STAR 3 standard could be met by showing
a copy of letters that were sent to the schools asking to partner with them.
The stakeholders for each facility will vary. Examples include (but are not limited to):
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Families enrolled at the facility
Employees
Board Members
Schools (public and private) that a significant number of enrolled children attend/will attend
Businesses that employ families of enrolled children (Sponsor/s of employer-sponsored
facilities, of course, but other facilities also are likely to have stakeholder businesses)
Business where a great deal of purchasing is made
Pediatricians/clinics that care for enrolled children
Local LEARN organization
Other early childhood service providers that may be involved with the facility – Head Start,
Early Intervention (EI), Intermediate Unit (IU), local OCYF agencies
Health agencies or practitioners that perform vision, hearing, dental and other screenings
Potential funders such as United Ways or other community foundations
Legislators or other elected officials
Libraries, recreation programs, community centers
Using staff, Board or Family meetings to develop stake holder lists and discuss stakeholder program
involvement or interests can be a helpful way to understand and strengthen ties to the local community and
secure resources and support.
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