Currently across the country there is an unprecedented interest in developing plans to improve and coordinate early childhood services in order to achieve an effective early care and education system. In the last few years system-planning initiatives have been sponsored and supported by federal, state, county and city governments as well as foundations and national organizations. Many states are involved in multiple planning initiatives and are interested in finding ways to integrate efforts and achieve a continuum of quality early care and education for all children birth to five. This document provides an overview of system planning efforts and includes considerations for states and communities who want to assess whether their planning efforts will meet the needs of children under three. A list of resources is also provided. [This publication was produced by the National Infant & Toddler Care Initiative at ZERO TO THREE, a project of the Child Care Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.]