This tool is intended for state advocates and policymakers to use as they work to develop a state early childhood agenda. It includes a series of key questions to understand the context and conditions of young children, birth to six, in the state. Where possible, we also include infant/toddler specific questions. Questions include data on demographics and program participation (such as health and nutrition programs), as well as the details of child care and early education settings in the state.

Where possible, links to online data sources are provided, including both original sources and organizations that have analyzed multiple datasets. By following these links, groups can find data specific to their state to populate the tool. Once compiled, these data could be analyzed to identify any trends, areas of need for policy change, and opportunities to support the case for increased investment.

Users can download and save a copy of this tool, open the tool in Microsoft Word, then fill in their state’s data. National figures are included where possible, which can provide context of how infants and toddlers are faring on key indicators.

The full version of the data tool contains five sections, which can be individually downloaded using the links below:

• Who are the children (and their families)?
• Where are children in child care and early education?
• How strong is the child care licensing/monitoring floor in your state?
• How does your state help low-income families afford quality child care through subsidies and other mechanisms?
• How is your state thinking about improving the quality of care for young children?

Free assistance in using this tool, and additional supporting resources, are available from CLASP. Please contact Hannah Matthews, 202-906-8006 or hmatthews@clasp.org.