This qualitative action research study sought to evaluate and improve an early childhood special education program designed to meet the needs of students presenting with social emotional and behavioral skill deficits that impact their ability to participate in the general education setting. Participants in the first cycle of research included educators who are involved in supporting the program, both from the school site and at the district level. Data collected in that first cycle also included documents related to students enrolled in the program. Findings from the first cycle indicated that the home and school connection was inconsistent from student to student, and that the amount of information the school-based educators received about each child upon placement into the program varied. Data analysis indicated that the more consistent the home and school connection, and the more information the program team had about students, the more successful they were in acquiring the skills needed to return to the general education setting. The second cycle of research included an action step aimed at designing and implementing a protocol that would establish consistent, collaborative relationships with each student's caregiver. Evaluation of the action step indicated that the meetings were structured in a way that established genuine relationships between home and school, and empowered caregivers to actively participate in a system that is not always designed to embrace their involvement. The meetings consisted of conversation that benefited both the school and the caregivers and established a bridge that allowed for consistency between home and school in support of the student. Implications for the research site include a refinement of the protocol timeline and further exploration around how the approach may benefit the home and school connection in the context of other substantially separate programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]