Early Childhood Indicators: Making the Most of Measurement

Early childhood indicators can provide point-in-time information, and trends over time, related to specific aspects of child well-being, and can be used to inform policymakers about either the need for intervention, or the apparent effects (or lack thereof) of reform efforts. Although states’ use of indicators to guide policy planning and decisions is growing, there are both appropriate and inappropriate ways to use indicators for such purposes, a few of which are highlighted in this brief.