The following information is intended to outline specific State policy choices that impact how easy or difficult it is to develop a formal partnership agreement between child care providers and EHS grantees. It is organized according to the key functions of a comprehensive State early childhood system (as defined by a group of national organizations and individuals who make up the Early Childhood Systems Working Group): Define and coordinate leadership; Finance strategically; Enhance and align standards; Create and support improvement strategies; Recruit and engage stakeholders; and Ensure accountability. Additional information and technical assistance regarding this system framework is available on the Build Initiative website. In this brief, each section includes: (a) basic background, (b) strategies to consider, and (c) an example of implementation in early care and education. (author abstract)