Vermont’s Family Survey Data Sharing

Value representative data. Vermont sought to increase our family survey response rate: More representative sample of the EI population (we have improved our response rate from 30% to 48% using this method over the past 2 years; for our next survey period we are adding a strategy informed by this success to get the response rate even higher.) More data means better information about what family’s think Engage families in system improvement: Ensure EI families know their input is valued and leads to system improvements (we have increased family participation in the ICC by 50%; the ICC is pursuing strategies for more direct input from families based on Vermont’s attention to these data) Use the data: Root cause analysis – what are our families saying? EI system improvement EI professional development

Start by giving families a ‘heads up’! Post card mailed to all families 1 week before the survey

Use a personal touch! Hand deliver as many surveys as possible. Give EI Practitioners a script to help them talk with families about the survey

Make it easy! Give families multiple ways to respond.

Branding helps families connect.

Share the data and share the impact!

Help each family understand why they should respond.

Agency Quality Improvement Planning Practitioner Training Make the data count! Agency Quality Improvement Planning Practitioner Training Family Outreach Strategies Statewide Root Cause Analysis Data-informed Policy and Program Improvement

How do we do this? Data is shared and analyzed: By the State team as part of ongoing SSIP PDSA Within professional development strategic planning Within the Interagency Coordinating Council for strategic planning and advising and assisting with system improvements Among State team personnel to inform technical assistance, guidance, policy or practice improvement strategies With every region for continuous quality improvement planning

Believe in, share, and use the data! Data illuminates solutions to our challenges. We use data as an essential tool to see the big picture and make intentional decisions that enable us to focus our limited resources to promote positive outcomes for children, families, and staff.

For more information: Danielle Howes, MSW Children's Integrated Services Part C Program Administrator 280 State Drive, NOB2 Waterbury, VT 05671-2090 danielle.howes@vermont.gov