DaSy has hosted several topic cohorts focusing on a topic of mutual interest to a small group of states. Each participating state develops a TA plan outlining the individualized technical assistance and participates in cross-state webinars, face-to-face meetings with virtual pre-meeting work, and post-meeting follow-up with their fellow states.

There are no topic cohorts to join currently. We periodically add new topic cohorts based on state-identified needs. Previous topic cohorts are listed below.

Powerful Data for 619

This topic cohort addressed improving the quality and/or comprehensiveness of state data on early childhood special education services and the children who receive them. Designed to support the state in using data to inform decisions that improve results, this topic cohort will identify the barriers to data use that states are facing, explore the strengths and weaknesses of current data on early childhood special education, and share strategies states are using to address their challenges.

Including IFSPs/IEPS in Your Data System

This cohort was for states exploring, planning, or beginning to implement inclusion of all or portions of the state’s IFSP/IEP in their data system, including IFSPs or IEPs in a web-based data system can improve the efficiency of service delivery by providing ready access to important information to program staff. This may include the entire IFSP/IEP or only portions that include readily quantifiable information, such as services information. This cohort will facilitate each state’s efforts to plan and work through the implementation process, including considerations of systems and technical aspects of system development.

Linking Data between Part C and 619

This cohort addressed a range of issues related to data linkage including articulating the expected benefits from the linkages, securing stakeholder support, establishing data sharing agreements, writing business requirements, and other topics of interest to the cohort. This cohort will start in late 2015.