2023 Iowa Child Care Workforce Study
View the 2023 Iowa Child Care Workforce Study Report here.
August 31, 2023
COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH
The world of data and analysis can quickly become complex
The world of data and analysis can quickly become complex, particularly for stakeholders who may not consider themselves part of the “scientific” community. I2D2 deliberately works to bridge these gaps by infusing processes for “data dialog,” so information flows in and out of decision-making activities.
We mindfully strip away unnecessary and isolating research language, and work to share a common language about children and families using data. We provide definitions and explanations where helpful, and ask relevant questions of stakeholders on the ground to make sure definitions and inferences are made in context of community realities. We take great care and effort to ensure data will not mislead but rather be interpreted and applied to the lives of Iowa’s young children appropriately and accurately.
GET Connected
To get in touch with staff or leadership of I2D2 for more information or for data support, please contact us.
Join our mailing list to receive I2D2 updates, latest project findings, and news.
latest news and resources
Brief Release: Iowa Head Start – Successfully Serving the Comprehensive Needs of Low-Income Children
I2D2 released a new brief “Iowa Head Start: Successfully Serving the Comprehensive Needs of Low-Income Children”. The federally-funded program promotes school readiness and offers comprehensive services for low-income children under 5. The program has historically served families with diverse needs related to poverty. Findings...
June 9, 2023
Iowa’s Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Focuses on Evidence-based Decision-Making
The recently released update to Early Childhood Iowa’s “We are ECI” Strategic Plan 2023-2026 is a showcase of the committed partnerships across our statewide systems in improving services and outcomes for Iowa’s youngest children. We are proud to be partners in this work, as ECI has provided a...
February 15, 2023
I2D2 highlighted as one of Iowa State University’s “Innovative Solutions” for 2022
The team at I2D2 is honored to be highlighted as a key “Innovative Solution” by Iowa State University in 2022. As part of the university’s strategic plan and the goal “to be the trusted partner for proactive and innovative solutions”, I2D2 was featured as the...
January 2, 2023
I2D2 releases new report and addendum for the Early Childhood Iowa Longitudinal Study
I2D2 recently finalized technical reports from the original Early Childhood Iowa Longitudinal Study integration which now include an addendum with recent work including integrated data from Head Start programs across the state. This addendum focuses on child outcomes for children participating both Head Start programs...
October 24, 2022
I2D2 releases new report examining the impact of birthing unit closures
Over the last 20 years, 41 birthing units have closed across the state of Iowa. These birthing unit closures are occurring primarily in rural communities. The purpose of this analysis was to examine how closures may impact groups of families who may be more susceptible...
October 24, 2022
I2D2 releases new ECI Family Survey report
I2D2 releases new ECI Family Survey report In the wake of our introduction to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shut-down in 2020, and the creation of the Governor’s Childcare Task Force in 2021, it is clear that Iowa families are still facing challenges – particularly those...
August 8, 2022
I2D2 releases IA Data Drive
I2D2 is thrilled to release the IA Data Drive for use in local and state strategic planning efforts. Stakeholder feedback across our early childhood system in 2020 consistently highlighted the need for aggregate data to support local and statewide strategic planning (see Mapping Vulnerability in Iowa’s...
August 8, 2022
I2D2 Hiring Program Assistant
I2D2 is hiring! The I2D2 Program Assistant will provide valuable support in accomplishing team goals and meeting deadlines specifically related to a large integrated data system build for the state of Iowa. This position will directly support the Director and Assistant Directors of I2D2, coordinate...
July 22, 2022
I2D2 Featured by ISU News Service
I2D2 was recently featured in a release by the Iowa State University News Service. The article discusses the partnerships I2D2 has facilitated, the technology used to ensure privacy, and the impact on programs for young children and families in Iowa. See the full article HERE
July 15, 2022
Jeff Jackson inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success
Jeff Jackson, I2D2’s Strategic Projects Specialist, was recently inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success in recognition of his academic and professional accomplishments as well as his completion of the NSLS leadership program. Congratulations, Jeff!
June 7, 2022
I2D2 featured in case study from the Administration for Children and Families
I2D2 was recently featured in a case study sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families as part of a national effort to advance the use of administrative data for program evaluation and cross-systems improvement. The report includes lessons learned and recommendations from I2D2 development,...
May 19, 2022
I2D2 Directors Present at Research Day 2022
I2D2 Directors Heather Rouse and Cassandra Dorius presented at Iowa State University’s Research Day 2022 held by the Office of the Vice President for Research. View their lightening presentation on Integrating People and Data to Advance Collaborative Decision-Making
April 25, 2022
I2D2 presents at annual ECI update meeting
I2D2 presented at the annual “What’s Happening in Early Childhood in Iowa?” meeting to legislators, ECI State Board members, ECI Area Board members, early childhood programs and service providers. This presentation focused on how I2D2 is providing data which can be used to guide program...
January 13, 2022
I2D2 featured in recent issue of Kansas Child magazine
I2D2 was featured in the winter 2022 issue of Kansas Child magazine for Dr. Rouse’s work with AISP partners developing a framework to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children. This framework considers the impact of imbedded stressors caused by housing, health,...
January 12, 2022
I2D2 team members awarded university award for interdisciplinary team research
Co-Director Cassandra Dorius and Assistant Director of Data and Analytics Todd Abraham were recently awarded the Interdisciplinary Team Research Award by Iowa State University. The award recognizes an interdisciplinary team of two or more faculty researchers with outstanding achievements who have made a significant contribution...
December 8, 2021
I2D2 Releases Home Visiting Data Brief
I2D2 has released a new data brief on the impact of birth risks on home visiting enrollment and program outcomes. Find the brief here.
October 27, 2021
I2D2 Releases Child Care Brief
I2D2 has released a new data brief on Themes in Iowa’s Child Care Conversation. This brief details challenges faced by early childhood care facilities regarding staffing and facilities. See the full brief here.
October 27, 2021
I2D2 Director Rouse publishes article showcasing IDS to study the impacts of COVID-19
I2D2 Director Rouse and national colleagues from across the AISP network recently published a paper showcasing how IDS can be a critical resource for studying the impacts of COVID-19 on young children. This paper provides a developmental model and use cases for IDS to study...
October 27, 2021
I2D2 releases program evaluation of Phones for Families
In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I2D2 released a program evaluation of the Phones 4 Families program. Families who are already more vulnerable due to low-income or family risk status, such as those served by Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting...
July 1, 2021
I2D2 releases home visiting report
In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I2D2 released a report on birth risks and timing of enrollment in home visiting programs. This report utilized integrated data from birth records and home visiting records to analyze how birth risks impact timing and duration...
July 1, 2021
I2D2 presents on centering racial equity in big data
I2D2 team members presented at the Midwest Big Data School on centering racial equity in integrated data. Visit the new I2D2 YouTube channel to view the presentation. I2D2 Director Heather Rouse and Assistant Director of Data and Analytics Todd Abraham discussed the governance and infrastructure...
June 24, 2021
I2D2 team member appointed to Professional and Scientific Council
Jeff Jackson, Assistant Director of Outreach and Strategic Planning for I2D2, has been appointed to the Professional and Scientific Council (P&S) for Iowa State University serving the 2021-2022 term. He will be a member of the Professional Development Committee and a Representative of the College...
June 23, 2021
I2D2 data in action to address child care shortage
I2D2 work completed in 2020 is being used to translate data into action by the Child Care Taskforce recently launched by the Governor. This Task Force will be making recommendations to address the child care shortage for Iowa’s youngest children and barriers for the workforce....
May 27, 2021
I2D2 Director promoted to Associate Professor
I2D2 Director Heather Rouse has officially been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure at Iowa State University. Congratulations, Heather, on this well-deserved accomplishment!
April 19, 2021
I2D2 team was recently featured at the 2021 Annual Conference
Research from the I2D2 team was recently featured at the 2021 Annual Conference for the Society of Research on Development. Graduate students led two posters co-authored with the I2D2 team and state partners that were designated as Strategic Posters exemplifying policy research related to children’s development. https://www.srcd.org/event/srcd-2021-biennial-meeting View the posters here, available until...
April 19, 2021
Early Childhood Iowa held its Equity Advisory Committee meeting
Early Childhood Iowa held its Equity Advisory Committee meeting on March 23, 2021, where the I2D2 team led a discussion about how we attend to equity in data collection, integration, analysis, and dissemination. This work uses concepts from the Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP)...
April 1, 2021
I2D2 was featured in December 29th webinar for ECI with state legislators
https://earlychildhood.iowa.gov/document/whats-happening-early-childhood-iowa
December 21, 2020