Why do we need it?
Minnesota’s early care and education system is large and complex. Many programs help children, and each one keeps its own records. For example, the Department of Education collects education data, while the Department of Health collects health data.
Because the data sit in separate systems, decision-makers cannot easily see how programs connect or how children move between them. When data from multiple agencies is linked, we can see results across programs, not just within one. The ECLDS helps to build a complete picture to understand how these programs work together.
How does it work?
The ECLDS brings together data that various departments already collect in a way that makes it easier to use and understand. Anyone can explore how young children benefit from public programs.
The ECLDS protects children's privacy by providing population-level data only, showing trends and results in groups. The system never reveals data about individual children.
Learn more by watching this brief video about Early Childhood Integrated Data Systems from the federal SLDS Grant Program or this short clip from the Annie E. Casey Foundation about integrated data systems.
Why is it important?
Research shows that early childhood is a critical time in development. To support children well, we need to know if our programs are working.
The ECLDS helps us see results across multiple programs. What we learn can guide future decisions and help Minnesota's children thrive.
Who uses it?
Anyone who cares about children's well-being can use the ECLDS, including lawmakers, educators, community members, and parents. The tool also helps the public understand whether the state is using its resources effectively.
What is it?
ECLDS is the early childhood companion site to Minnesota's Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS). SLEDS is managed cooperatively by Minnesota's Office of Higher Education, Department of Education, and Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Together, ECLDS and SLEDS follow how children progress from early childhood, through their education, and into the workforce (sometimes called a P-20W data system). Combined, these data help Minnesota better understand and support lifelong learning.
