Data Literacy Credential

Online • Live • 105 PD Hrs

Educate managers and directors in data literacy; the ability to communicate about the use of data; and basic storytelling with data skills.

Overview Required Courses

Overview

Data-driven quality improvement stands to bring unrivaled levels of performance to the Head Start field, and is defined and mandated by the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS). A leader or manager who completes this credential signals to their staff and the Office of Head Start that their program is committed to this level of performance.

To earn this credential, candidates must complete the following three sequential five-week classes, demonstrating their knowledge and skills in data literacy and their ability to apply that information back in their programs.

Course 1: The Wonderful World of Data
Course 2: Using Head Start Data
Course 3: Foundations of Storytelling with Data

Each course requires candidates to attend two live 60-minute class sessions each week via Zoom. Classes will be completely virtual—allowing candidates to take classes while maintaining their traditional work schedule. In addition to class time, candidates spend approximately four hours per week on assignments and learning activities.

In addition, candidates are required to complete a final portfolio assignment, the purpose of which is to tangibly demonstrate comfort with the course material and an ability to apply new knowledge and skills. Grading for each course will be a combination of attendance, in-class participation, and mastery of the content as demonstrated by the various assignments.

Start Dates: Annually in the following terms: Fall in October, Winter in January, Spring in March, and Summer in July

Course Level: Advanced

Requirements/Prerequisites: None

Target Audience: Leadership and Management, Data-specific Staff Roles

Completion Timeline/Duration: Nine Months

Required Courses

Course 1: The Wonderful World of Data

This course introduces the key concepts related to the use of data in organizations. This includes data literacy, data capacity, the data-generating-process, the role of data in quality improvement, and data use in Head Start. The course focuses on a practical understanding of the universe of data and the ability to communicate it to coworkers and other stakeholders within the Head Start community. The central activity in the course is a portfolio assignment in which the candidate develops a short training to show the importance of data in a specific project in their area of responsibility.

Course 2: Using Head Start Data

This course introduces the way that data is used in Head Start programs under the currentHSPPS. This includes how data is used for monitoring and tracking as well as how data collection, storage, and reporting impact the data capacity of organizations. The course focuses on how the data workflow influences the quality, usability, and ultimately the value of the data that is collected. This course also introduces ways that data can be incorporated into grant applications, self-assessments, community needs assessments, and other required projects in Head Start. The central activity in the course is a portfolio assignment in which the candidate develops a plan for how a data workflow can be improved and develops a narrative around the project that can be used in multiple contexts (the grant application, board reports, communication to stakeholders, etc.).

Course 3: Foundations of Storytelling with Data

This course introduces key concepts related to storytelling with data, focusing on the foundational skills needed to communicate data to an audience. This is not a technical course about using tools to make fancy charts or graphs. This is a course about knowing the audience and selecting the appropriate data and data visualization tools to tell the desired story. The central activity is a portfolio project that develops a storytelling plan around a single big question or improvement project in the participant’s program.

Course Facilitator

Dr. Greg Dixon

Dr. Greg Dixon is the chief analytics officer at Acorn Evaluation. Dr. Dixon is the leading designer of professional development programs to build data literacy in Head Start. He brings two decades of award-winning experience as a professor and curriculum designer to the development of programs that make data fun and accessible to all.

What learners are saying...

"There is something special to be said about the way Dr. Dixon and Stuart delivers messaging to all adult learners. Never once did I feel ashamed of my learning disability. They have a special way of touching on all learning styles with how they deliver the learning and as an adult learner I need time and they built that in beautifully.”

–Tyressa Johnson, Early Education Manager, Early Learning Ventures

“As a data coordinator in Early Head Start, I often feel like my role doesn't fit in a neat box because it overlaps with so many service areas. This course advocates for how important a role data plays in Head Start/Early Head Start and improving not only families and communities, but also staff.”

–Sondra Anderson, Data Coordinator, Families First Early Head Start/CSVC

Registration Rates

Regular Rate: $4,497

NHSA Member Rate: $3,897

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Includes

Online, Self Paced Coursework
30 Hours of Live Instruction
Access to a National Cohort of Peers
75 Hours of Course Material
Video Content
Digital Badge
Certificate of Completion
24/7 Access to Transcript