Sustainability refers to the state’s capacity to support the Part C and Part B 619 database application over time to meet the program’s evolving needs. To sustain a data system that addresses the state’s evolving needs, state leadership needs to ensure a continuation of sufficient fiscal and human resources, key leadership and stakeholders’ support, and data use throughout the system. Demonstrating the value of data in informing decisions is an important contributor to sustainability. Sustaining an efficient, effective data system is an ongoing endeavor. This involves identifying emerging social and technical issues when considering system functionality, e.g., equity considerations, designing for access through mobile devices, electronic signature capability, parent portals, and predictive analytics. Therefore, monitoring and reviewing of requirements will be necessary to ensure data system remains current and relevant.

The process of identifying the need for enhancements or for a new database application is conceptualized as a part of sustainability. However, those involved with data governance and management are responsible for translating the identified enhancements or request for a new system into an actionable scope of work that includes activities, timelines, and required resources (see Data Governance and Management subcomponent). The development of a new system or enhancement of an existing system is executed in accordance with the system development life cycle as presented in the System Design and Development subcomponent.

Quality Indicator SU1

Part C/619 state staff use a systematic process to identify enhancements to the database application.

Quality Indicator SU2

Part C/619 state staff generate administrative and fiscal support to sustain and enhance the database application.

Resources Related to Sustainability

• Perspectives on Data Use
  Listen to how important data are! The scope and complexity of data collected by Part C programs have significantly increased in the 30 years ...
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• Building for the Future (Part 1): Data System Enhancements
  This 5-minute video features insights from state coordinators and data managers and DaSy experts on why and how to enhance existing early childhood data systems.
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• Building for the Future (Part 2): A Focus on Sustainability
  This 5-minute video spotlights one state’s decision-making process for identifying enhancements to its early childhood data system.
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