In terms of impact on families, program design and delivery is the most visible management function of program coordinators. Rather than a single entity delivering a single service, Even Start Family Literacy programs build on existing community resources to provide access to a new range of integrated services, including:

• age-appropriate education to children (birth through age seven) 
• parent literacy training
• training for parents on how to be the primary teacher for their children and full partners in the education of their children 
• interactive literacy activities between parents and their children. 

In addition, programs must provide two to four home visits to all families each month. Integrated instruction in the home tailors learning to the family and the home environment. Family educators help parents and other caregivers foster learning in the home, building on the strengths of the parent/caregiver and child. Integrated instruction may involve the use of household materials (e.g., kitchen utensils for vocabulary and concept development), but books, writing tools, and daily experiences are equally important. Such instruction leads directly to achieving New York State's Even Start Family Literacy goal, i.e., helping all children meet or exceed the State's Learning Standards. 

When designing programs, the needs of families must be considered. Programs must schedule services so that they are convenient and flexible for families. To address other barriers to participation, Federal statute requires programs to offer support services, such as transportation and childcare.

How all of the above components are brought together to support literacy outcomes for children and their parents varies tremendously among programs. However, clear and frequent communication (including shared planning and joint staff development) between all service providers  helps build strong partnerships.