Frequently Asked Questions

What is the playbook and what are the use cases?

The Data Analytics Playbook is a collection of data analyses and visualizations used by your very own colleagues in Head Start. Our goal is that, whenever you have a question, such as, “How does attendance affect children’s development?” you can come to the Playbook and find several examples of the different ways your colleagues have answered this question. You can copy the analysis exactly, or simply use it as a starting point to build your own analysis without having to start from scratch.

Each use case addresses a specific question that a Head Start program has asked and answered. It includes a picture of the data visualization, details of what the visualization is showing, a narrative describing how the program used the information, and a technical appendix explaining how you can replicate the analysis using your own data.

In the Introduction and Resources sections, we have also included important information for using this tool well. They cover everything from how to create a data culture in your program to how to hire a data expert and how to export data yourself

Where did the use cases come from?

The use cases all came from your own colleagues in the Head Start field. These are all real-life examples of how Head Start leadership and staff use data to answer questions they have and to improve their own programs, and they’ve shared them with us here so that no one has to reinvent the wheel. Instead, we aim to learn from each others’ experiences and build towards a stronger, better Head Start future.

Can I contribute to the Head Start Data Analytics Playbook?

Absolutely! If you have a use case you’d like to share, you can download the template here and submit it via email to analytics@nhsa.org. We have a formal review process for all use cases, so it may take a little time before you hear back about the status of your submission. If you have other resources that may be of use to Playbook users, we welcome you to share them with us via email as well at analytics@nhsa.org.

Where did the Head Start Data Analytics Playbook come from?

The Playbook is part of NHSA’s Data Design Initiative. Led by NHSA and with the support of practitioners, vendors, and myriad experts, the Data Design Initiative is a collection of more than a dozen projects aimed at improving capacity for using data and evidence to advance the well-being of Head Start children and families. You can read more about the initiative and the other projects on the main Data Design Initiative page.