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Data in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs

Data in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs is a series of interactive online learning modules that include a mixture of practical scenarios, real-life examples from the field, and tools and templates. The modules are designed to assist in planning for and implementing effective data use.

To get started, watch Head Start leaders sharing their excitement about how they created a culture that embraces the use of data to inform decision making in their programs.

Program Interviews: Use of Data

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Program Interviews: Use of Data

Speaker 1: We take those set of numbers, and we look at them, and we try to figure out what is the best way to utilize this data in support of quality programming.

Speaker 2: Having the data be living numbers has helped us to use that in planning for the program. If we see trends, we can say, "Okay, this is a concern in this area," or, "This is a concern in the county," and you have facts to back it up with.

Speaker 3: Each of you are looking at individual families and collecting data from the individual families. And so, what makes my, my part of the job really good is then I can look at the center-wide.

Speaker 4: Another one of our databases that has been actually beneficial and valuable to us is our facilities and inventory database. And this database has allowed us to more precisely budget for our fiscal obligations to provide materials and supplies. This has been a cost savings for us as an organization because we are not over or under purchasing, we're purchasing to effectively equip our classrooms.

Speaker 1: We've been collecting data for 20-some, 20 to 30 years. But we collect it at the beginning of the year, and we look at it at the end of the year, the children have shown progress. But we want to look at it in a much more intentional way.

Speaker 4: I love that data opens doors for staff to become more actualized as professionals.

Speaker 5: Part of that change was with the data reports that we give to the Board and the Policy Council. The questions that the Policy Council ask, the questions that the Board member ask, now, by looking at the data, have generated so much conversation. It was something we never, ever expected would happen, and it's been fantastic.

Speaker 6: Well, I just want to say, when you mentioned the number 25 percent, that's very significant to have a 25-percent increase. And I know we saw a lot more of the dads coming in and spending time in the classroom. And I know the teachers, our Head Start teachers, were very excited when your Male Involvement dads got out there and dug up the ground and put in our garden. So, yeah. So, they really enjoyed that. And now I know they're all talking about planting a fall garden, but again, it was great to see that increase of the amount of dads who really came in there. And I'm glad we have that hard data to show that our numbers increased by 25 percent.

Speaker 7: Because it was hard to rely on numbers for a lot of us who tend to be from the, the other side of the brain. But it was – it was undeniable when it was put in front of you month, after month, after month.

Speaker 5: So, this past spring, we had our first all-staff meeting where we unveiled data. They came up with so many ideas on some of the data that was uncovered on what they could do to change it and make it better. We've had a few "a-ha" moments along the way. This was a big "a-ha" mom.

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The goals of the interactive learning modules are to strengthen leaders’ capabilities to:

  • Understand how the data collected in your Head Start or Early Head Start program fit into the annual planning cycle
  • Help everyone in the program — from bus drivers and cooks to Policy Council and governing body members — become enthusiastic about using data
  • Use your program’s data to decide on new priorities
  • Share data appropriately with different audiences and show how each audience can use the information
  • Celebrate the good news that data show and learn from the bad news so you can improve your program

Each module includes a collection of 15-minute activities to assist in planning for and implementing effective data use. The modules and activities may be completed in any order. Select those that best match your interest, knowledge, and skills in using data. Head Start and Early Head Start leaders can work individually through the module activities at their own pace. They also may review and discuss sections during meetings and training events.

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,  Organizational Leadership