Introducing ECIDS: A new name for the Early Childhood Longitudinal Data System

The Early Childhood Longitudinal Data System is now the Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS).

The ECIDS connects data to better understand the experiences of young children who participate in our state's public programs and services. The system combines data from several state agencies:

• Department of Children, Youth, and Families
• Department of Education
• Department of Health
• Office of Higher Education
• Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board

The new name more clearly communicates what the system does: integrate data across programs to support stronger early childhood policy and practice.

The name change also reflects recent evaluation findings and the updated data strategy, which highlights the importance of increasing internal use of integrated data. Strengthening how staff use ECIDS is key to the system’s long-term growth and sustainability.

ECIDS also supports DCYF's strategic plan by advancing the priority to modernize technology, systems and data practices, one of the agency's five strategic priorities driving our work. By integrating data across programs and agencies, ECIDS helps improve how we use information to inform decision-making, strengthen services and better understand outcomes for children and families.

Explore the ECIDS at www.dcyf.mn.gov/ecids If you have questions about how you can use the data to support your work, contact ecids.support@state.mn.gov.