In this episode of DaSy Talks, hosts Howard Morrison and Jenna Nguyen sit down with Michelle Ogorek and Sandy Miller to explore how Wisconsin is using the Child Outcome Summary Knowledge Check, or COS-KC, to strengthen child outcomes data quality and build a culture of data use. Together, they discuss Wisconsin’s shift from viewing child outcomes measurement as a compliance activity to helping local education agencies, or LEAs, use real-time data to make meaningful decisions about programs, services, and supports for preschool children with disabilities.

Michelle and Sandy share how Wisconsin rolled out the COS-KC, supported LEAs in understanding and using their reports, and used the data to guide professional development and technical assistance across the state. They also reflect on the importance of messaging, buy-in, and relationships, especially framing the COS-KC as a learning opportunity rather than a test.

They offer practical advice to other states and districts interested in improving child outcomes data quality: do your homework, use available resources, listen to LEAs, engage technical assistance, and identify someone who can help keep the work moving forward. Learn how Wisconsin is building confidence, strengthening local ownership, and using data to improve outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.

Learn more and download a transcript of this episode on the DaSy Center website.

Related Resources

• Child Outcomes Summary Knowledge Check (COS-KC)
• DaSy Data System Framework
• Critical Questions
• IDIO 2024 Presentation: New to Child Outcomes Measurement?

In this episode of DaSy Talks, hosts Howard Morrison and Jenna Nguyen sit down with Lisa Davenport and Jennifer Floyd to explore how Utah built and strengthened its Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS) by including Part C data Together, they unpack the evolution of Utah’s ECIDS, from early advisory council conversations to a robust, multi-agency data system that integrates nine data sources, including home visiting, Head Start, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), developmental screening, and Baby Watch Early Intervention.

They offer practical advice to other states considering ECIDS participation: foster open communication, ensure every voice is heard, stay focused on shared outcomes, and be patient. Learn about cultivating a data culture where collaboration and data-informed decision making work together to improve access and outcomes for young children and their families.

Learn more and download a transcript of this episode on the DaSy Center website.

Related resources:

• DaSy Data System Framework
• Critical Questions
• Look! Think! Act!
• Data Leadership Competencies

In this episode of DaSy Talks, Jenna Nguyen and Howard Morrison sit down with Tracy Benson of the Waters Center and Luke Kusumoto from Hawaii’s Department of Health to explore how systems thinking can transform data use in early childhood programs. They share insights from a multi-state cohort focused on strengthening IDEA Part C and Part B 619 programs through collaboration, shared data practices, and the “habits of a systems thinker.”

Luke describes how Hawaii’s interagency team surfaced hidden assumptions, aligned their data systems, and built trust to improve access to services for young children with disabilities. Tracy offers practical guidance for navigating complexity, embracing discomfort, and creating lasting systems change.

Related Resources:

• Blog: Creating Positive Change Through a Culture of Data Use and Systems Thinking, https://dasycenter.org/creating-positive-change-through-a-culture-of-data-use-and-systems-thinking/

• Create Positive Change Through Data Culture and Systems Thinking, https://dasycenter.org/create-positive-change-through-data-culture-and-systems-thinking/

We’re thrilled to launch the very first episode of DaSy Talks, a new podcast from the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy Center)! Hosted by Howard Morrison and Jenna Nguyen, DaSy Talks brings you real talk for states, by states—exploring how data can drive meaningful improvement for young children with disabilities and their families.

In this inaugural episode, Howard and Jenna are joined by Dr. Kathy Hebbeler, senior principal education researcher at SRI and one of the developers of the DaSy Data System Framework. Together, they unpack how the framework serves as a “key” that helps states unlock their data superpowers—building stronger, higher-quality data systems that empower programs, support decision-making, and improve outcomes.

Listeners will learn what’s inside the DaSy Framework, how states can use it to assess and strengthen their IDEA Part C and Part B 619 data systems, and why starting small can lead to big improvements. Kathy also shares practical advice on using the self-assessment tool, sustaining progress over time, and how DaSy can support states along the way. It’s an inspiring start to the DaSy Talks series—celebrating the power of good data, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Related Resources:

DaSy Data System Framework

DaSy Framework Self-Assessment Tool