This report from Engage R+D details the Starting Smart and Strong evaluation and offers insights into the ongoing narrative of the initiative, covering its development through the sixth year, concluded in 2020. The focus is on phases of growth and learning in three communities, showcasing the expansion and dissemination of innovative and effective professional development practices. The report tracks the evolution of scale within the initiative and outlines key lessons gleaned from the three communities, providing valuable guidance for funders and other interest holders involved in early learning. It concludes by proposing actionable steps that funders and leaders can take to promote the expansion of community-based solutions throughout the system.