Data Basics & Data Essentials

Brought to you by The Academy at NHSA in partnership with Acorn Evaluation, Inc.

Did you know that you are a data person?

You are a data person, and these courses will show you how important your role is!

Data Basics and Data Essentials are asynchronous courses (100% online and self-directed) intended for anyone in Head Start. The Data Basics course lays a foundation for developing data literacy and supports a journey to a stronger understanding of how to use data for program improvement. The Data Essentials course builds on the concepts introduced in Data Basics and expands the understanding of how to apply data concepts in Head Start.

Hundreds of Head Start/Early Head Start teachers, family advocates, health staff, site supervisors, and their managers and directors have completed one or both courses, and left feeling like they learned valuable lessons and skills about data in their programs.

Enroll Today

Course creator Dr. Greg Dixon introduces the Data Basics and Data Essentials courses.

Data Basics

Data Basics is a three-hour online course designed to help staff understand why they are asked to collect so much data and how critical it is in supporting children and families. Designed in six 30-minute modules, the course fits into the busy schedule of Head Start professionals. It can be taken at any time and completed over a time period of as long as one month. Topics explored include:

Why and How Head Start Uses Data
Using Data in Your Program

Why Data Quality is Important
Using Data Well is a Team Effort

Enroll in Head Start Data Basics

"Loved this course! Especially the tips on growing data literacy within the organization and helping others see themselves as data people, thank you!"

– Head Start Data Basics learner

"This class connects data to a real-life context and reminds us of the value of its collection and use."

– Head Start Data Essentials learner

Data Essentials

Data Essentials is seven hours of online course material that explores how data is used in practice and answers two questions: How can data be used to make things better?” and “How can I be sure that the data I collect helps children and families?”. It includes conceptual modules focusing on broadening data literacy and application modules focusing on use cases where Head Start programs have used data to make program improvements. You will hear real data stories directly from your peers and attend one webinar with a live instructor. Topics explored include:

Keeping it Real: Setting honest expectations about data in Head Start
Roles and Workflows: Thinking about yourself as a data person

True stories of how programs use data
True stories of program improvement using data

Enroll in Head Start Data Essentials

NOTE: Head Start Data Basics must be completed prior to taking Data Essentials.

Dr. Greg Dixon

Course Designer and Instructor

Dr. Greg 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.

Ready to get started?

Enroll now and join hundreds of other staff to strengthen your knowledge and understanding of data in your Head Start/Early Head Start program. You can start these online courses at anytime!

Enroll in Data Basics

Enroll in Data Essentials

Have questions or need help? Email suppport@acornevaluation.com and one of our team members will personally assist you.