Think Global, Document Local: Using Data and Information Technologies To Move the Early Childhood Agenda. Starting Points: Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest Children.

Child advocacy groups have become increasingly sophisticated about using data to mobilize public opinion and motivate greater public investment in young children and their families. The lesson emerging from this work is that state and local data are needed in addition to national data to build a more powerful case for change. This policy brief describes data and information technologies used by children's initiatives in specific localities and states across the nation. Part 1 of the brief describes the challenges involved in building a capacity for data collection at the state, regional, and local level. Part 2 describes initiatives which have used 4 strategies for enlisting data and information technologies to mobilize public support for improving early care and education: (1) coordinating data gathering and child advocacy efforts; (2) providing "just-in-time" data by just the right messenger; (3) creating multi-media campaigns to capture the public's attention; and (4) using cost-benefit analysis to demonstrate the value of investing in early childhood. Part 3 illustrates 6 data and information technologies to improve the planning and delivery of services: (1) focusing on results for children and families; (2) connecting and empowering people at the front line; (3) using distance learning to spread the word and bridge the gap; (4) creating and using cost-accounting/decision-support software; (5) using intermediaries to improve data collection and streamline administration; and (6) sharing data among agencies. Part 4 discusses issues that the early childhood field will face as it moves into the future. (KB)