Help Me Grow is more than a model.
It’s a platform for new ideas.
The National Center helps affiliates strengthen their systems by testing and sharing innovations that improve early childhood support.
Through technical assistance, we guide communities in building strong foundations. Once core components are in place, systems are well-positioned to explore enhancements that expand their reach and effectiveness. These improvements may introduce new tools, processes, or partnerships that help families and providers connect more easily and sustain progress over time.
To ensure affiliates get the right support, the National Center developed a structured framework for reviewing new approaches. This process asks: Is the idea a good fit? Is it feasible? Is it ready to spread across the Network? By answering these questions, we help affiliates adopt proven strategies with confidence.
A defined, intentional process to guide identification and dissemination is critical to the successful diffusion of innovations.
How We Diffuse Innovations
The Help Me Grow National Network is uniquely positioned to spread new ideas that strengthen early childhood systems. To make sure these ideas deliver real value for children and families, we use a structured approach for reviewing, testing, and sharing them.
Core Principles
Our process is guided by several principles:
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Readiness for Scale
New concepts must first be evaluated for how well they can be expanded across the Network.
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Connection to the Model
Each idea is defined by its components and activities, and how it supports or enhances the existing Help Me Grow model.
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Clear Role for Affiliates
Affiliates’ responsibilities must be identified before an innovation is introduced system-wide.
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Right Support at the Right Time
The scope of each idea determines the level of training, guidance, and oversight needed for success.
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Stay Focused on the Core Model
Help Me Grow implementation remains the priority. Enhancements are introduced only when they add value to local efforts.
Diffusion Readiness Rubric
To guide this process, the National Center created a Diffusion Readiness Rubric. This tool looks at factors such as:
- How well the idea aligns with our mission
- The complexity of the approach
- The capacity of the innovator to provide support
The rubric clarifies what resources are required for success and outlines the outcomes we aim to achieve.
