The following step-by-step planning process uses multiple Head Start program data sources to inform program planning. The process can be used to determine specific program improvement/enhancement initiatives and/or for staff development purposes.
Step 1: Synthesize Data. With management staff and other key decision makers in your program, gather information from Head Start data sources to inform your program planning. Individuals or teams review each data source and record statistics or facts that give information about the program without analyzing or drawing conclusions about what the data tells them. The data sources include:
- Child Records and Outcome Data
- Community Assessment
- Family Partnership Records
- GABI
- OHS Monitoring Protocol
- Program Information Report (PIR)
- Program Self-Assessment
- Staff Performance Appraisals
Step 2: Analyze Data. Individuals or teams review the findings collected from each data source. They look for critical themes or significant findings that point to need for program improvement or staff development from each data source being sure to establish a reasonable number of manageable goals.
Step 3: Chart Goals And Priorities. The entire planning team looks across themes or significant issues that emerge from each data source and develop and prioritize program improvement and/or staff development goals.
Step 4: Reflect On Systems For Data Collection. The entire planning team considers the amount and type of data currently available from each data source. The team then assesses how it can improve the program's data collection systems to ensure that adequate, reliable data is available for the next planning cycle.
Step 5: Develop A Program Improvement And/Or A Staff Development Plan And Budget. The planning team develops action steps, and timelines for each goal identified in Step 3. They also assign managers or other staff leaders to ensure each action step is completed and identify resources such as funds, consultants, staff members, materials that will be helpful in carrying out the action step. They prepare a budget based the goals and the resources available.
Step 6: Approve The Plan. The planning team is now ready to present the plan and the data that justifies it to the Policy Council and other program decision makers. With decision maker involvement throughout the planning process, approval should proceed smoothly. After receiving local program approval, the program director follows the region's process for plan submission.
Source: Education Development Center, Inc., Center for Children & Families, Newton, Massachusetts, 2004
