Overview

The Chicago Early Childhood Integrated Data System (CECIDS) is central to CELFE’s work, aligning with our commitment to enhanced data systems as the bedrock for effective policy and funding frameworks. Officially launched in 2022 by our sister center, NIU’s Education Systems Center, which laid the groundwork for a sound data governance structure for CECIDS, CELFE now spearheads the vision with NIU’s Illinois Interactive Report Card Team for the technical implementation.

CECIDS integrates data from diverse systems and programs, enabling timely and actionable child-level data that benefit families, program administrators, funders, advocates, and policymakers. This public-private partnership strengthens CELFE’s commitment and capacity to leverage data for informed decision-making and a positive impact on early childhood education and care.