Use Strong Start Data…

… to characterize the service needs and experiences of families with young children, and, especially, children born into families with the fewest resources.

The Children’s Data Network (CDN), with support from First 5 CA and First 5 County Commissions, is using the Strong Start Index as the foundation for a direct data collection effort. The project, Supporting a Strong Start for CA Kids, involves collecting information about the service needs and experiences of families with young children directly from parents who recently gave birth in California, with a particular focus on children born with relatively few Strong Start assets — children at highest risk of adverse outcomes.

Coupled with information collected from First 5 County Commissions and local service providers, these data will not only better characterize the service landscape at both a local and state level, but also the needs, experiences, and challenges new parents may face in accessing those supports. Overall, this work aims to fill a major gap in our understanding of our most vulnerable Californians and promote a strong start for all children statewide.

… to prioritize communities for investment.

The L.A. County Child Care Planning Committee overlays Local Funding Priority and Strong Start Index maps to identify the neighborhoods in greatest need of early care and education investment.

… to inform the expansion of family strengthening and early childhood supports.

In its recommendations for the State Master Plan on Early Learning and Care, the First 5 Association identified the Strong Start Index as a key tool for determining assets and inequities for young children in California. In fact, it is a critical component of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) childcare funding formula used to inform its funding allocation for childcare.

… to assess need for and availability of resources, such as home visiting.

The California Department of Public Health in their Community Needs Assessment, and the California Budget and Policy Center, used Strong Start data to show that the number of children in California who would benefit most from home visiting vastly outweighs service capacity.

… to examine racial/ethnic disparities.

Both the California Governor’s Office and First 5 California Governing Board have leveraged the Strong Start Index to help identify, and ultimately address, inequities present at birth.

… to inform organizational planning and evaluation.

First 5s in Los Angeles, Sonoma, Fresno, and San Mateo counties use Strong Start data to augment community needs assessments, facilitate strategic planning, and monitor impacts.

… to advocate more generally on behalf of young children and families.

Citing its clarity, simplicity, and comprehensiveness, organizations have proposed using the Strong Start Index to make a persuasive case in funding presentations; when providing elected officials with data for speeches; and when testifying in State Assembly hearings.