Introduction to Data Analysis Handbook - AED Center for Early Care ...

Key Points to remember about planning:
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As part of your plan include a strategy for keeping the Board of Directors, Policy
Council and other key players updated regarding the progress of the data analysis
process.
identify in advance the resources that you will need to implement the process. Some
examples include the translation of key pieces of information for parents, additional
clerical support and scheduling meetings in conjunction with other activities.
Consult with the Policy Council (PC) regarding information being derived from the
data analysis process as well as decisions that are being made as a result of the process.
Solicit ideas and assistance from PC members regarding the proposed data analysis
process.
Ensure that all data analysis team members are oriented and trained to understand the
importance of the data analysis and its impact on the provision of Head Start services
to migrant and seasonal children and families.
Data Management
Data comes from many places and a variety of formats. it is important to take a
systematic approach and think about the following questions:
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How will you keep track of all the data?
How will you make the data available to several members of your team?
How will you collect and integrate data over a period of time?
How can you set up the system so that others can step in if your job responsibilities
change?
Choices about which data to include in your Data Analysis is highly dependent on both
the availability of data and the quality of the available data. For example if we look at
the PiR, it would be very informative to report on data on otitis media (ear infection) of
children enrolled in your program. Since data on otitis media is not readily available in
the PiR, however, information on hearing condition is reported, which can also provide
interesting information. Design your data collection so that you gather a balance of
internal, community, state and national information that relates to your program’s
purpose and to the population that constitutes your eligible families and the community
that they become part of when they migrate into your service area.
With regards to data management we strongly encourage that you store the information
on the computer to the best of your potential and that you back up your data regularly.
© AED/TAC-12 Spring 2006. Permission granted to copy for non-commercial uses only.
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