This paper presents a summary of systems change research as it applies to planning comprehensive early childhood service systems. It explains the inter-agency model developed by the Collaborative Planning Project for Planning Comprehensive Early Childhood Systems at the University of Colorado. The model attempts to address system issues such as understanding the current context; articulating a "shared vision"; providing professional development; and ensuring adequate fiscal, human, and facility resources. The model has the following key features: (1) facilitator role; (2) stakeholder involvement; (3) leadership commitment; (4) assessing the current context; (5) visioning; (6) determining priority challenges to address; (7) strategy development and action planning; and (8) plan implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. (Contains 26 references.) (DB)