In this episode of DaSy Talks, Jenna Nguyen and Howard Morrison sit down with Tracy Benson of the Waters Center and Luke Kusumoto from Hawaii’s Department of Health to explore how systems thinking can transform data use in early childhood programs. They share insights from a multi-state cohort focused on strengthening IDEA Part C and Part B 619 programs through collaboration, shared data practices, and the “habits of a systems thinker.”

Luke describes how Hawaii’s interagency team surfaced hidden assumptions, aligned their data systems, and built trust to improve access to services for young children with disabilities. Tracy offers practical guidance for navigating complexity, embracing discomfort, and creating lasting systems change.

Related Resources:

• Blog: Creating Positive Change Through a Culture of Data Use and Systems Thinking, https://dasycenter.org/creating-positive-change-through-a-culture-of-data-use-and-systems-thinking/

• Create Positive Change Through Data Culture and Systems Thinking, https://dasycenter.org/create-positive-change-through-data-culture-and-systems-thinking/