Data Practices Review

A diagnostic resource for ECE providers

Early Intel’s Data Practices Review is a comprehensive style assessment of Head Start program management to determine the effectiveness, quality, and compliance of data practices across service areas. It provides valuable insights for program leaders and identifies actionable steps for improvement.  

Why a Data Practices Review? 

Programs frequently don’t know what they don’t know. 

Our expert assessors can quickly identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as strategies for improvement. As friendly partners, our reviewers help pinpoint issues and build momentum for change.

When data is not accurate, well-organized, or free-flowing:

• You lose visibility
• It is difficult to prioritize, because you can't tell what's important
• Staff time is wasted
• Work becomes siloed - managers can't see what's happening in other areas
• You are at risk for Federal Reviewer findings 

There are many benefits to a Data Practices Review, including:

• Assure that your data practices comply with laws and federal standards
• Strengthen program quality by ensuring that data insights are captured and integrated into decision-making
• Strengthen self-assessments and funding proposals
• Build confidence with staff, board members, and community partners 
• Create a roadmap for strengthening your team’s data practices 

How does the Review work?

In this interview-driven assessment, an Early Intel advisor will meet online with the program director, content area managers, and other key program leaders to understand how data is collected, managed, and used. We examine a progressive range of data processes:

• Record systems
• Data entry
• Reporting
• Analysis
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Operational decision making
• Strategic planning

The review is organized as a series of interactive activities, including document reviews and system walkthroughs. These conversations help determine not just whether data exists, but how well it is being used to drive decisions, assess risks, and improve outcomes for children and families. 

The time from the initial meeting to delivery of the final report is typically 4-5 weeks.

What data sets are reviewed?

The following are examples of the types of data and issues explored: 

• Education Services 
  • Developmental and Social-Emotional Screener timeliness and response planning 
  • Individualized education plans (IEPs/IFSPs) and their implementation tracking 
  • Child progress monitoring reports and outcome analysis 
  • Curriculum fidelity and professional development tracking

• Health Services 
  • Health tracking data for well-child checks (EPSDT), screenings, follow-ups, and treatment (e.g., vision, hearing, dental) 
  • Immunization compliance and tracking 
  • Health referrals and documentation of outcomes 

• Family and Community Engagement Services 
  • Family Strengths and Needs Assessment Outcomes and use 
  • Family partnership agreements and progress documentation 
  • Case management notes and family goals tracking 
  • Referrals to community resources and follow-up documentation 

• ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) 
  • Eligibility documentation and income verification data 
  • Recruitment source tracking and demographic analysis 
  • Selection criteria and waitlist management systems 
  • Enrollment trends and vacancy response 
  • Attendance tracking, chronic absenteeism, and follow-up logs

Deliverable: The Recommendations Report

At the conclusion of the review, Early Intel delivers a set of slides that highlight strengths, identifies gaps, and outlines actionable, prioritized steps for improvement. These recommendations are aligned with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and grounded in best practices in data management and analysis.

The report is delivered in a live meeting where the reviewer details possible strategies for addressing issues in the report. Findings will include staff capacities, systems issues, policies, and practices.  

This review and the recommendations are designed to enable leadership teams to efficiently identify issues, strengthen internal monitoring, enhance internal collaboration, and elevate data-informed decision-making across their organization.

Expert Review Team

Desiree Del-Zio is the Director of Services at Early Intel, where she specializes in organizational analysis and change planning to strengthen early childhood systems. She partners with leaders to design strategies that enhance effectiveness, align resources with priorities, and foster cultures of collaboration, belonging, and innovation. Drawing on her extensive experience in program management and consulting, Desiree equips organizations with the tools and processes needed to navigate transitions and achieve sustainable outcomes for children, families, and staff.

Price: $4,800 

This includes orientation, interviews, data review, written recommendations, and meeting to discuss findings and possible next steps. A deposit of $500 will reserve your place and initiate the onboarding process.

Client Feedback about the Review:

• "Eye-opening experience… made us really think through and question why we are doing what we are doing and determine if our data is reflecting the story we are trying to convey."  
• "Gentle in their nudging and critical feedback, made this process very fun and exploratory.  We felt comfortable to discuss our shortcomings, create growth opportunities, and celebrate our successes as a supportive team!"  
• "A transformative experience in our data-driven journey, changing the way we view our data—shifting our focus from identifying areas of concern to proactively spotting opportunities for growth." 
• "The process helped us begin building a data culture that leverages multiple ways to analyze our systems, allowing us to see the bigger picture and make more informed decisions."

Next Steps

To reserve a Data Practices Review for your early childhood program, please complete the following.