Consultant/Facilitator for Early Relational Health (ERH) Initiative – Year 2 Implementation

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Title: Consultant/Facilitator for Early Relational Health (ERH) Initiative – Year 2 Implementation
Issued by: First Steps Kent
Date Issued: 2/5/26
Proposal Due Date: 2/15/26

I. Introduction

First Steps Kent invites proposals from qualified consultants to support Year 2 implementation of an Early Relational Health (ERH) Initiative in Kent County. This initiative is currently underway and has an established framework, action teams, and project plan. First Steps Kent is seeking a consultant who can step into this existing work, provide skilled facilitation and coordination, and support continued cross-sector collaboration and learning.

The selected consultant will work closely with First Steps Kent staff, community partners, parent leaders, and a national technical assistance partner to facilitate action teams, support implementation activities, and contribute to learning, measurement, and sustainability planning.

II. Background

Organization Overview

First Steps Kent is committed to building a coordinated and accountable early childhood system that strengthens programs and services for families in Kent County. Our mission is to close inequitable gaps and ensure that all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. Established in 2009, First Steps Kent convenes cross-sector partners, elevates family voice, and aligns systems to improve outcomes for children and families.

Initiative Overview

The Early Relational Health (ERH) Initiative focuses on strengthening the everyday relationships between parents/caregivers and young children as a foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. The initiative is funded through aligned grants and is being implemented over a three-year period. First Steps Kent is currently in Year 2 of the initiative.

Key components of the ERH Initiative include:

  • A cross-sector ERH Leadership Team
  • Three Action Teams:
  • Parent Action Team
  • Nonprofit Action Team
  • Medical Action Team
  • Community-led strategy development
  • Shared measurement and learning
  • Preparation for sustainability and expansion in Year 3

Significant planning and early implementation work has already occurred. The consultant selected through this RFP will be expected to build upon existing plans, relationships, and structures, rather than redesign the initiative.

III. Scope of Work

The consultant will serve as a facilitator, implementation partner, and thought partner for the ERH Initiative during the current project year. Responsibilities are expected to include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Facilitation of Action Teams

  • Facilitate regular meetings of the Parent, Nonprofit, and Medical Action Teams, using an established meeting cadence that includes a mix of monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly meetings.
  • Prepare agendas, guide discussions, and support teams in advancing agreed-upon goals and action steps.
  • Capture key discussion points, decisions, and next steps from meetings.
  • Support both virtual and in-person facilitation, as needed.

2. Planning and Coordination with First Steps Kent

  • Participate in regular planning meetings with First Steps Kent staff to coordinate activities, troubleshoot challenges, and align next steps.
  • Provide general project support, including coordination, follow-up, and communication related to the ERH Initiative.
  • Support the functioning of the ERH Leadership Team and contribute to overall project coherence.

3. Collaboration with National Technical Assistance Partner

  • Work in close partnership with an existing national technical assistance provider supporting the ERH Initiative.
  • Align facilitation and implementation efforts with shared frameworks, tools, indicators, and learning goals.
  • Participate in joint meetings, planning conversations, and learning exchanges as appropriate.

4. Measurement, Learning, and Evaluation Support

  • Support the development and refinement of a shared measurement and learning approach, in collaboration with First Steps Kent, action teams, and partners.
  • Assist with qualitative learning activities (e.g., reflection, synthesis of themes, feedback loops).
  • Contribute to simple dashboards or tracking tools that support learning and decision-making.

5. Documentation and Reporting

  • Contribute to documentation needed for grant reporting and internal learning.
  • Provide periodic written summaries of progress, lessons learned, and emerging insights.
  • Deliver a written summary report at the conclusion of the contract period that includes documented progress, lessons learned, action steps, and recommendations for Year 3.

IV. Timeline

This RFP is intended to support Year 2 implementation of the ERH Initiative. The anticipated contract period is 3/1/26 through 2/28/27. A detailed work plan will be finalized in collaboration with the selected consultant.

V. Proposal Requirements

Interested consultants should submit a proposal that includes the following components: 

Cover Letter

    • Brief introduction and statement of interest
    • Summary of relevant experience and fit for this role

    Qualifications and Experience

    • Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder or cross-sector initiatives
    • Experience working with parents/caregivers as partners or leaders
    • Experience supporting systems-level or community-led initiatives
    • Relevant background in early childhood, health, family wellbeing, or related fields

    Proposed Approach and Methodology

    • Description of facilitation style and approach
    • Experience stepping into existing initiatives or plans
    • Approach to collaboration, learning, and adaptive implementation

    Work Plan and Timeline

    • Proposed approach to supporting action teams, planning, and coordination
    • Alignment with an established meeting cadence and project plan

    Budget

    • Proposed budget aligned to the scope of work described above
    • Budget should include consulting fees, anticipated expenses, and any administrative costs

    VI. Submission Instructions

    Submission Deadline: 2/15/26

    Submission Method: Proposals should be submitted electronically to dvandermolen@firststepskent.org.

    Contact for Questions:
    Daniel VanderMolen
    Vice President of Impact
    dvandermolen@firststepskent.org

    VII. Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be reviewed based on:

    • Relevant experience and qualifications
    • Demonstrated ability to facilitate complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
    • Alignment with the goals and stage of the ERH Initiative
    • Clarity and feasibility of proposed approach
    • Budget alignment and value

    VIII. Terms and Conditions

    • Confidentiality: All data, materials, and findings must be kept confidential.
    • Intellectual Property: Project-specific deliverables produced under the contract will be owned by First Steps Kent; however, consultants and partners retain ownership of pre-existing intellectual property, methodologies, or materials, with First Steps Kent granted the right to use such materials as incorporated into the work.
    • Conflict of Interest: Proposals must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
    • Contractual Agreement: The selected consultant will enter into a formal contract with First Steps Kent outlining scope, deliverables, timeline, and payment terms.
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