Data System Improvement Toolkit
- Authors:
- Erin Geary
- Matthew Poes
- Mary Iannone-Walker
- Richard Porter
- Angelina Callis
- Brandie Buckless
- Priscilla Day
The Data System Improvement Toolkit helps grantees of the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program strengthen their data systems. It may also be useful for other programs in the human services, education, and early childhood fields.
Using the Toolkit
The toolkit contains five modules:
- Module 1: Choosing a System and Working With a Vendor or Developer
- Module 2: Documenting and Improving Data System Processes
- Module 3: Protecting Data Ownership and Privacy
- Module 4: Displaying and Reporting Data
- Module 5: Optimizing Your Current Data System
Each module includes an introduction outlining its goals and terminology and an overview of available tools. The full toolkit is available as a single PDF file (see available downloads box). Modifiable versions of tools, when available, can be accessed via individual module pages using the links above.
Choosing a Starting Point
The five modules in the toolkit represent steps in a cycle. However, data system improvement is an ongoing process with no defined beginning or end. The following questions can help toolkit users choose the right starting point for their needs:
- Does your system currently meet your requirements or do you need something new?
- What challenges most impact your ability to serve families?
- What improvements do you need to focus on most, in keeping with available time and resources?