The next step is to consider your community's needs. One way you can do this is through a 'needs analysis' – a process involving collecting information from members of your community on what needs to be improved to better support children and families.
Examples include the need for:
- Accessible services and facilities such as childcare, parks, transport and specialist services
- Family-friendly services and facilities such as health clinics that have a children's play corner
- Affordable services and facilities such as medical services and childcare
- Opportuntities to meet other families such as through mothers’ clubs and playgroups
- Flexibile services such as childcare centres with extended hours
- Coordinated services such as linked health, education and early childhood services
- Service promotion so that families can easily find information about services such as maternal and child health centres in their area.
Community needs can be identified by holding community consultations such as focus groups, and conducting surveys with parents, those involved in early childhood education and care, and other community members.