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

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Learning Objectives
This Handbook is used in training sessions offered by the Migrant and Seasonal Head
Start Technical Assistance Center (TAC-12). it can also be used as a self-paced or group
resource. Utilizing this Handbook, you will explore how to:
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use a wide variety of data for planning and decision-making purposes;
begin to develop abilities to use data to describe program operations and/or practices;
observe basic techniques of data analysis to real-life Head Start examples; and
identify and articulate trends and patterns in data gathered over time.
Guiding Principles for Approaching Data Analysis
1. To provide information to program staff from a variety of different backgrounds and levels of
prior experience.
2. To create a “value-added” framework that presents strategies, concepts, procedures,methods
and techniques in the context of real-life examples.
3. To appreciate that learning takes time.
4. Comfort, confidence, and competence take practice.
5. Data analysis provides opportunities to “reduce the burden.”
What This Handbook Does NOT Do
This Handbook does not provide guidance on data collection. For those who are familiar
with the Five Steps to Community Assessment: A Model for Migrant and Seasonal Head
Start programs workbook, that resource can provide you with good strategies for data
collection.
in addition, this Handbook does noT attempt to address all possible procedures or
methods of data analysis or imply that “data analysis” is limited to the contents of this
Handbook. Program staff are urged to view this Handbook as a beginning resource, and
to supplement their knowledge of data analysis procedures and methods over time as part
of their on-going professional development. in addition, fiscal analysis procedures such as
analyzing cost per child per hour, etc are beyond the scope of this handbook.
© AED/TAC-12 Spring 2006. Permission granted to copy for non-commercial uses only.