Author: Linh Le
Contributors: Ginger Elliott-Teague, Betsy Mercier, Carolina Zamora Robles

High-quality data systems help state programs meet federal data reporting requirements and understand who they are serving, how services are delivered, and where improvements are needed.

To better understand the status of these systems nationwide, the DaSy Center conducts the State of the States: Data Systems Survey, which gathers information from IDEA Part C early intervention (EI) and Part B 619 early childhood special education (ECSE) programs.

DaSy will conduct the next State of the States survey in spring 2026, and we hope all state Part C and Part B 619 programs will complete the survey.

Because of states’ participation in these surveys over the last 13 years, DaSy has been able to share a national picture of early childhood IDEA data systems through our interactive State of the States maps and other resources. In anticipation of the 2026 survey, we offer some insights from the last one, conducted in 2023. How has your state data system changed since then?

The 2023 survey collected responses from 96 program leaders across 56 states, territories, and entities, providing a national picture of the capabilities of state EI and ECSE data systems, including how data are stored, linked, and used to support program improvement.

States’ Data Systems Help with Managing Program Data

Most state EI and ECSE data systems have the capacity to manage a wide range of program data. These capabilities support program operations, accountability, and data-informed decision-making. In 2023, states reported that:

• 84% of EI programs and 85% of ECSE programs have access to workforce data
• 80% of EI programs and 87% of ECSE programs maintain systems with program monitoring or fiscal data
• 96% of EI systems and 93% of ECSE systems can produce canned or ad hoc reports

Data Systems Provide Important Insight into Children Served

State data systems collect important information about children participating in EI and ECSE programs, allowing programs to identify potential gaps in access to services. In 2023, we learned that:

• 98% of EI systems include a data field for referral source
• Many systems track socioeconomic status and eligibility for services

Data Linking Supports Deeper Program Insights

Linking data across programs helps states better understand children’s experiences across early childhood systems and support coordination across early childhood and health programs. In 2023:

• 65% of EI programs had all child-level data in a single system
• 87% could link at least some child-level data within their programs
• 43% of states reported linking EI and ECSE data at least once
• 26% reported having a shared unique child identifier

Family-focused Features are Still Emerging

Some data system features can make it easier for families to participate in EI and ECSE programs and reduce administrative barriers. However, these features are still emerging in many state data systems. In 2023, we learned that:

• About one third of programs can accept electronic signatures
• 10% of EI programs and 25% of ECSE programs offer parent portals
• 67% of EI data systems and 54% of ECSE data systems can transfer child records when families move

States are planning improvements to their data systems

Many states are planning to strengthen their data systems. In 2023, programs reported that:

• 39% of EI programs and 37% of ECSE programs plan to develop a new data system within two years
• 96% of EI programs and 93% of ECSE programs plan to enhance their current data systems

Looking Ahead

The findings from the 2023 State of the States survey highlight both the progress states have made and the opportunities that remain to strengthen early childhood data systems. As states continue to improve data quality, expand system capabilities, and build stronger connections across programs, these efforts will support better decision-making and help improve outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.

In the upcoming 2026 survey, DaSy will inquire about:

• Increased use of parent portals to support family access to information
• Greater adoption of shared unique identifiers to facilitate transition data sharing and outcomes tracking

We are also adding new questions to learn more about states’ use of AI for data analysis and whether screening status is tracked at the state level. Stay tuned!

Opportunities for State EI and ECSE Programs

To read more about the 2023 results, check out the maps and other resources on DaSy’s State of the States webpage. EI and ECSE coordinators will receive an email from the DaSy Center soon with details about participation in the 2026 survey.

DaSy TA providers are available to support EI and ECSE state agency staff with all aspects of data system design and enhancement, data linking and integration, and data use. Reach out to your state’s TA liaison to get started.

About the Author

Linh Le is a Communications Specialist at SRI. She currently supports communications for the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy), managing the center’s social media efforts and blog.

Published April 3, 2026.