CAPACITY

1. Describe the hardware used in your program. Include location, brands, size, age, and software in use, networking capability, who has what pieces as part of their workstation
2. Does your program have Internet access? Where and by whom is it used? How is it used? How secure is it?
3. Does your program have email? Where and by whom is it used? How is it used?
4. Do you have policies in place governing personal use of email, the web, etc.?

INFORMATION TRACKING

1. Does your program use a software program to track and manage child and family information? Which one? Are you happy with it? Is there information you do not collect that you need or wish you had?
2. Does your program use a software program to track and manage other information, e.g. payroll or personnel information? What programs are in use? Are you happy with them? Is there information you do not collect that you need or wish you had?
3. Do you submit your PIR and your grant electronically?
4. Do you have community partners who you share reporting responsibilities with? Do you have community partners that your technology has to interface with?

PLANNING

1. Do you have a technology plan in place? If yes, when was it completed and how often is it reviewed and updated?
2. How do you see your technology capabilities improving services to children and families in the future?
3. Are there areas of technology you would like to know more about?
4. Do you annually budget for technology support, maintenance, and updating?
5. How will you measure technology-based gains in meeting the needs of the agency, children, and families?
6. Do you have a technology partner? (i.e. LEA, CAA). If so, how does having a partner help or hinder your program?

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

1. Is there a person (or persons) that provides technological support to your program? Is this a staff person or a consultant? What percentage of their time is devoted to technology support?
2. Are there identifiable leaders, both formal and informal, in technology use on staff? Who are they and what positions do they hold?
3. Are needed technology skills listed and required in job descriptions? Do you know how well the skills of individual staff currently match the technology requirements of their job?

You can use the results of your discussion to begin your effort to improve your management recordkeeping and reporting systems, and to identify the resources you need to put your system in place.