Data Analysis

Data analysis is the force that drives decision-making for the continuous quality improvement of early childhood educational experiences. Data is used to monitor and support change elements, and share program quality information with families, the local education community, and the community as a whole. While data analysis must be ongoing at the classroom level, periodic formal data analysis at the system level is required and is best done by a group convened specifically for this purpose. As stated above, the unique characteristics of each ISD may see this group function independently or as part of another advisory

structure group or committee. Minimally, the structure must ensure that periodic formal data analysis is occurring at the classroom level, subrecipient level (for subrecipients with multiple classrooms and for ISD operated classrooms), and ISD-wide as follows:

• Purpose: To ensure that the following periodic formal data analysis functions are completed:

• Classroom level analysis of data is completed examining individual child level data and whole group outcomes/trends;
• Site and/or subrecipient level analysis of data is completed examining the data of multiple classrooms as appropriate/determined by the ISD and its subrecipients;
• ISD level analysis of data is completed which examines data from all funded classrooms;
• Continuous improvement goals are set and monitored at all levels.

• Leadership: Supported by the ECS, ECC, and/or administrator.

• Facilitated by a person with experience and skills to effectively execute this program requirement (ECS, director, teacher).

• Who/Members:

• The classroom and site/subrecipient formal data analysis group will ideally include, but is not limited to: 

• Teaching teams (required);
• ECS (required);
• Administrators;
• Parents.

• The ISD-level formal data analysis group will ideally include, but is not limited to representation from:

• ISD;
• Subrecipient; 
• Site and/or classroom.

• Frequency: At each level, data analysis shall occur a minimum of 3 times per year.
• Records:

• Attendance;
• Agendas;
• Meeting minutes.

Also see the Program Evaluation section for detail on systemic collection and utilization of data and recommended data analysis processes.