This 2009 presentation highlights the importance of longitudinal data in the early childhood system. It provides an overview of OSEP child outcome reporting requirements and how these data, when collected longitudinally, can address the changing service needs of special education recipients. It also provides a brief overview of the design of an effective data system and guides professionals to consider the efficacy of systems in their state.

Presented at the 2009 OSEP Leadership Conference.

Incorporating Early Childhood into Longitudinal Data Systems: What, Why and How