Building Stronger Early Childhood Systems for the PDG B-5 SMART Grant: Resources for States

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Renowned early childhood technical assistance specialists and researchers shared insights, tools, and a variety of free resources during a public webinar on Sept. 3rd.

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The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant represents more than an investment in early childhood data and technology. It’s an opportunity to strengthen statewide early childhood systems. Successful implementation requires more than technical infrastructure alone. It depends on thoughtful planning, cross-agency collaboration, meaningful stakeholder engagement, strong data governance, and the ability to translate information into action.

In a Sept. 3 webinar, technical assistance specialists and researchers with SRI’s Education Division shared key insights, knowledge, and lessons learned from decades of combined experience supporting states in the design, implementation, and sustainment of these system improvements. 

Drawing on SRI’s leadership of the national PDG B-5 Technical Assistance Center and nearly 15 years leading the DaSy Center, SRI experts shared practical tools, resources, and real-word examples that demonstrate how states can strengthen early childhood systems and achieve measurable results. 

The webinar highlighted SRI’s work supporting states in: 

• Modernizing data systems 
• Linking and integrating data across programs 
• Developing Early Childhood Integrated Data Systems (ECIDS) 
• Engaging stakeholders in designing and using data systems 
• Creating effective data visualizations 
• Leveraging data and technology to inform decision-making and program improvement 
• Improving family choice and access through coordinated eligibility and enrollment 
• Strengthening workforce systems through registries, analytics, and compensation initiatives
• Capacity-building and technical assistance

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Webinar Panelists

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Questions for our team? Email us at EarlyLearning@sri.com