Data visualization enables you and your target audiences to think less and understand more. Just as a picture can paint a thousand words, a simple data visualization can speak volumes, especially if the data “artist” practices restraint with the use of colors, shapes, sizes, and statistics and places accuracy above all else. Data visualizations can be a powerful tool for engaging key stakeholders, diagnosing challenges and successes, and driving strategic decisions. Sample data visualizations were gathered from public websites and Virginia Smart Beginnings to illustrate how effective data visualization can be in the early childhood arena.
Restricted access to types of analyses that have been run, including correlational analyses of risk and protective factors influencing child outcomes, as well as straight-forward descriptive statistics that help describe the nature and scope of school readiness assets and barriers.
Sample data visualizations that help tell a story related to early childhood and school readiness using data.
Examples of successful strategies for using shared data (actionable information) to –
- Guide decision making to improve services (feedback loops that foster data use & sharing)
- Foster greater community-wide collaboration around early childhood
- Communicate value (costs versus benefits/ROI) and advocate for resources
- Determine the most strategic investments in a growth environment to maximize limited capacity & resources in meeting increased local interest and demand, without compromising quality