Data Dialogue Protocol for Understanding Related ECE Data Systems

This set of protocols and notetaking guides collects information on how each agency’s or partner’s data systems function—how data is entered, processed, maintained, and updated. Having this information helps lead agencies hosing comprehensive early childhood data systems effectively address technical and operational questions and support smoother integration across systems. Split across two data dialogue sessions, this collaborative tool builds relationships with relevant data stewards, creates an ongoing conversation about data quality and management, and documents dataset-specific information needed for analyzing supply and demand within a specific state or locality. 

This tool is part of Preschool Supply & Demand, a collaboration between the Strategic Data Project and representatives from the California Department of Education, Denver Public Schools, Denver Preschool Program, South Carolina First Steps, Chicago Early Childhood Integrated Data System, National Head Start Association, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, and Washington Education Research and Data Center. It is supported by the Gates Foundation.