Head Start Data Camp is an excellent introduction to the use of data in Head Start for anyone in a manager or supervisor position in a Head Start program.

Head Start Data Camp provides a solid foundation in the use of data in Head Start programs. It focuses on introducing key concepts and how to apply them in practice.

Learners who complete this course have demonstrated the ability to:

• Discuss basic concepts of data in the context of Head Start (HS) programs.
• Explain what data is and how it is used in Head Start.
• Illustrate the importance of relevance when using data.
• Relate how the tracking, monitoring, process, and outcomes (TMPO) framework supports the use of data in Head Start.
• Articulate how continuous quality improvement is used in Head Start to make programs stronger.

For Individuals:

• This is a fun, engaging introduction into how to use data in Head Start programs.
• The class focuses on the real-world use of data in real programs.
• Gain a strong foundation for understanding how data is used, grounded in what you do every day.
• Work with others who are starting their journey to data literacy as you explore concepts and applications.
• This is a great opportunity for a group of staff members to develop key skills that they can apply as a team.

For Programs:

• Help your staff to use data more effectively on day 1 after they return.
• Demystify key concepts around data to build staff data literacy.
• Build your program’s capacity to use data to achieve its goals.
• Build a common foundation for using data to achieve program goals.

Course Information:

• Start Date: 1/29/2026
• Course Level: Beginner
• Target Audience: Instruction and Effective Practice, Leadership and Management, Parents and Families, Program Operations, Support Services
• Course Requirements/Prerequisites: None
• Course Meeting Times: Jan 29, 2026 and January 30, 2026, 8:30 am-11:30 am PACIFIC TIME
• Completion Timeline/Duration: 6 hours

Topics:

• Data in Head Start
• What exactly is data?
• Data as information in context
• Data capacity: Learning to use data
• Three domains of data capacity
• Tracking, monitoring, process, and outcomes (TMPO)
• Continuous quality improvement (CQI)
• Identifying and addressing challenges and barriers

Learning Objectives:

Learners who complete this course have demonstrated the ability to:

• Discuss basic concepts of data in the context of Head Start (HS) programs.
• Explain what data is and how it is used in Head Start.
• Illustrate the importance of relevance when using data.
• Relate how the tracking, monitoring, process, and outcomes (TMPO) framework supports the use of data in Head Start.
• Articulate how continuous quality improvement is used in Head Start to make programs stronger

Head Start Alignment:

This course supports programs in meeting Head Start Program Performance Standard 1301.101(b)(4) Management System in which, “a program must design and implement program-wide coordinated approaches that ensure the management of program data to effectively support the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data.”

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Course Facilitator:

Dr. Greg Dixon

Dr. Greg Dixon is the Chief Research Officer at NHSA. 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.

Course Author:

Stuart Jones

Stuart has spent over 20 years working as a professional evaluator and management consultant, primarily focusing on organizations that serve the early childhood community. In 2013 he founded Acorn Evaluation to further the goal of providing quality educational and consulting services to the Head Start/Early Head Start community.