Introducing Data Informed Futures

Data Informed Futures (previously TECCS), a national initiative of the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities, offers unique, neighborhood-level data and mapping – throughout the course of a child’s life – that reveal geographic patterns of disparity and resilience in communities.

In early 2022, TECCS (Transforming Early Childhood Community Systems) embarked on an exploration for a new name – one that would be memorable, meaningful, and convey more information about the nature and benefits of the critical work we do for children. We believe we’ve found that name: Data Informed Futures. By revealing patterns of disparity and resilience in children’s health and well-being through our data mapping products and coaching support, community leaders are better equipped to create a future where children reach their full potential.

Since 2009, our team has worked with over 90 communities to measure and improve child well-being using the Early Development Instrument (EDI). Now we have taken our measurement system to the next level, enabling community partners to monitor children’s development across their life-span and develop policies and practices that help children reach their full potential. This advanced suite of four measures provides a holistic picture and understanding of children’s development and well-being from pre-K through middle school. Not only do these measures deliver unique data on how children are doing, but they are also predictive of future health, education and social outcomes. 

Our four monitoring measures include:

• EDI: The Early Development Instrument is completed by kindergarten teachers to assess kindergarten readiness and other essential components of student’s health, development and well-being. The EDI reports on five domains of development: communication skills, language & cognitive skills, physical health & well-being, and emotional maturity, and is highly predictive of later academic success.
• CHEQ: The Child Health Experiences Questionnaire is a parent-reported kindergarten entry survey. CHEQ can be linked to the EDI to provide important contextual information about children’s early experiences prior to kindergarten.
• MDI: The Middle Years Development Instrument is a self-reported survey in which students from 4th to 8th grades capture their thoughts and experiences in school and the community. The MDI helps schools and communities gain a deeper understanding of children’s experiences inside and outside of school, providing important information about their psychological and social well-being.
• NNEI: The National Neighborhood Equity Index is a composite measurement of 11 indicators of neighborhood-level equity challenges associated with health development in children. These indicators (from Census information) include social, educational and economic factors. Using the NNEI in combination with the EDI and MDI helps identify areas of resilience despite challenges in neighborhood equity and resources.

Learn more about Data Informed Futures on our website. 

Data Informed Futures Website

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About Data Informed Futures: Supported by Data Informed Futures’ analytics, guidance, shared learning network and coaching, community leaders and partners are better able to conceive, advocate for and implement meaningful changes that improve children’s health and well-being and help them reach their full potential.An initiative of UCLA’s Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities, Data Informed Futures (previously TECCS) offers unique, neighborhood-level data and mapping – throughout the course of a child’s life – that reveal geographic patterns of disparity and resilience in communities. Since 2009, Data Informed Futures has helped over 90 different local communities in more than 18 states.

Our new, integrated suite of linked data tools provides a comprehensive picture and understanding of children’s development and well-being from pre-K through middle school. This data, along with our support and coaching, enable community leaders and partners to conceive, advocate for and implement meaningful changes that improve children’s health and well-being. To learn more about our work and impact, please visit the Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities website. 

About the Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities: The UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities combines cutting-edge research, policy development, and community-based practices to reduce disparities in child outcomes, and improve the lives of children, their families and their communities. Housed at UCLA, one of the preeminent research universities in the world the Center’s transdisciplinary approach is critical to solving the complex and entrenched problems faced by children and youth. For over 25 years, we’ve used our expertise and research to reveal and frame systemic issues in new ways, re-imagining what’s possible, and developing innovative approaches that empower community leaders and partners to bring about lasting, positive change for children and families. For more information, please visit the Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities website.