Data advisory commission unanimously approves FY26 legislative report

The Data Advisory Commission for the Department of Early Education and Care voted unanimously to approve its draft FY26 annual legislative report, and directed the department to make any final, non‑substantive edits before submission to the legislature.

Staff member Amy read the motion on behalf of the department, asking the commission to approve “the draft FY26 annual report to the legislature with revisions as needed by the Department of Early Education and Care prior to final submission.” The motion was moved by the commissioner and seconded by Tom; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion passed with no recorded nos or abstentions.

Commission staff described the document as the product of three meetings since October and said it contains nine recommendations nested under the agency’s four data and research priorities. Staff noted the report’s emphasis on modernizing EEC’s data systems, tracking recommended KPI metrics, limiting data burden on providers, and strengthening research capacity.

Later in the meeting staff moved to approve the minutes from the commission’s Feb. 24 meeting; that motion was seconded and carried, with one member, Laura, recorded as abstaining.

The department said it will finalize minor edits, circulate the revised document as appropriate and submit the report to the legislature. The commission did not take other formal actions on policy changes during the session.