Mass. Department of Early Education and Care launches Data Advisory Commission, outlines data modernization priorities

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care on Zoom convened the first meeting of a newly created Data Advisory Commission to advise the agency on improving collection, use and public reporting of early education and care data.

Deputy Commissioner Amy Checkoway, Department of Early Education and Care, opened the session by welcoming members and describing the agency’s push to “make data more transparently available” and to modernize IT systems so data can better inform policy and program decisions. “We have key performance indicator dashboards that are posted online,” Checkoway said, noting the agency’s move from manual and point-in-time reporting toward more timely program and workforce data.

The meeting reviewed the commission’s statutory charge, which was added to the fiscal year 2025 state budget as an outside section and directs the commission to recommend ways to improve state provider- and program-level data related to cost, quality and utilization of early education and care services. The statute also requires an annual report to the Legislature by Dec. 1 on findings and recommendations.

Why it matters: Commission members and EEC staff said better, more timely and integrated data could help the state identify capacity gaps, track the impact of public investments, and reduce duplicative reporting burdens on providers. Commissioner Kershaw emphasized the…