EC Data University – Using Data to Understand Child Find Systems

Using Data to Understand Child Find Systems

This course provides an introduction to child find and related data reporting requirements and suggestions for how states and local programs can use federally-reported and other data while engaging key partners to understand how their child find system is working.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be knowledgeable about:

  • The definition of child find and commonalities and differences in the requirements for child find for Part C and Part B 619
  • Child Find data reporting requirements
  • Strategies for engaging key partners, including families and local programs/LEAs in interpreting child find data
  • Purposes of digging deeper into your child find data
  • Sources of data other than the federally-reported (618 and APR) data that can provide insight into how your child find system is working
  • Strategies for disaggregating data to answer questions about your child find system

Data Leadership Competencies addressed by this content

  • FD-2.  Demonstrates understanding of 616 Annual Performance Report (APR) and 618 data collection and reporting requirements.
  • DC-3.  Demonstrates understanding of how to use data for accountability, program operations, and program improvement.
  • DC-6.  Demonstrates ability to lead team members and stakeholders in discussions about the interpretation of program data (e.g., 616, 618, other) and development of action steps in response to what was learned from the analysis.

Resources

Government Accountability Office Report: Additional Data Could Help Early Intervention Programs Reach More Eligible Infants and Toddlers
Report highlighting findings from the GAO study of Part C programs.

Child Find Funnel Chart Tool
Excel template for displaying data about infants and toddlers at each step of the Part C process from referral through exit.

Meaningful Differences in Child Find Calculator
Excel-based calculator that allows states to make several comparisons related to the percentage of infants and toddlers served.

OSEP Child Find Self-Assessment
Tools for Part C and Part B 619 to examine implementation of requirements and best practices related to child find.

Local Contributing Factor Tool
Guide for considering factors impacting Part C SPP/APR indicators, including the child find indicators.

Published February 2026.

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