The FLSN SDS has focused on collaboration and reciprocity through partnerships within and outside of LACOE. Partnering units include the California Pre School Instructional Network-Region 11, Head Start, Migrant Education and others. Additionally, the FLSN team engages in an active partnership with LACOE's administration to support the Superintendent's mission to provide quality services for all children in LA County from birth through adulthood. In addition to collaborating with internal partners, FLSN also works to develop and nurture relationships with external partners. Key external partners in addition to First 5 LA include the American Institutes for Research (AIR), the initiative's external evaluator for the First 5 LA-Funded Family Literacy Initiative. Additional external partners include numerous community-based organizations, school districts, local and state agencies and public and private organizations that partner with FLSN to support building the capacity of local family literacy and school readiness programs in LA County. In this brief, FLSN identified characteristics that promote strong collaboration which leads to positive outcomes for families with young children, programs, and communities. (author abstract)