The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) had a grand vision: Give every child in New Mexico an equal opportunity for success by building an integrated data system that would enable policy makers to make informed decisions about early childhood programs and policies.

In partnership with eScholar, led by NMPED, and funded by a Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) grant, just such an integrated data system became possible. In 2017, NMPED implemented the Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS), created in genuine collaboration among NMPED; Child, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD); and the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH).

This overview will provide an overview on the project milestones and learning experiences of the ECIDS development and implementation.