Role of relationships
The purpose of this section:
- Understand the importance of partnership in delivering ECEC services
- Help users navigate the partnership identification map in this toolkit
- Understand how the partnership map aligns and interacts with each stop of the toolkit process map
Why partnerships matter
Successful co-location of ECEC services relies heavily on strategic partnerships formed at the right time, with the right stakeholders, for mutual benefit. Unlike traditional single-operator developments, co-located ECEC facilities require coordination between multiple organisations, each bringing different expertise, resources and community connections.
Understanding partnership benefits through identification mapping
The partnership identification map provides a visual guide to understanding when and why different stakeholders should engage in the ECEC development process. Rather than focusing solely on planning and regulatory requirements, these maps highlight the tangible benefits that each partner can gain by participating at specific stages.
Importance of early partnership
Research and practice consistently show that the greatest partnership benefits are realised when stakeholders engage early in the process (IPART, 2023).
The partnership identification map emphasises the importance of early identification and partnership, demonstrating how early involvement in market identification and concept development creates:
Shared ownership of the project vision Resource pooling opportunities that reduce individual risk and cost Enhanced community buy-in through diverse stakeholder representation Streamlined approvals through early relationship building Stronger service integration from the foundation up.
Resource: How to determine if a partnership is a good fit
- Do they share compatible values and genuine commitment to quality ECEC outcomes?
- Do they bring expertise, resources, or assets that you lack?
- Do they have adequate resources and commitment to shared risk/cost arrangements?
- Are your timelines, standards, and regulatory approaches compatible? Does each partner gain meaningful, balanced benefits?
- Will benefits continue through operational phase, not just development?
- Are there specific, measurable outcomes for all stakeholders?
How to use the partnership identification map
The partnership identification map on the following page is designed around each stakeholder persona, showing their unique perspective on partnership.
The best way to use the identification map will be to identify which one applies best to your situation as a stakeholder in co-located ECEC services and follow the key questions for this stakeholder, relying on the subsequent steps of the toolkit where required.
Partnership as project foundation
This identification map demonstrates that partnerships are fundamental to creating sustainable, community-responsive services.
By visualising the partnership benefits at each stage, stakeholders can make informed decisions about when and how to engage, ultimately leading to stronger co-located ECEC services that serve their communities more effectively.
The partnership identification map complements the main toolkit by providing the relationship framework that enables successful progression through each technical step of the development process.
Partnership identification tool
This identification tool assumes there is an established need for ECEC and present an overview of how to seek or broker partnerships for each stakeholder. See step 1 Market Identification of the toolkit for further resources on how to establish the need for ECEC services.
Please go to our next page: How to use this toolkit