Research methodology can often be stringent in design. Policy makers and practitioners may be bound by politics, budgets, and complex bureaucracies. Researchers, practitioners, and policy makers must maintain flexibility and creativity throughout the process of gathering and analyzing data. Unanticipated technical and political issues are bound to occur. Once partnerships have been established, institutionalize this capacity so that research and policy development links continue over time.
Ongoing efforts are more likely to produce a more comprehensive, valid, and useful body of research.
Over the long haul, new data systems may be needed to provide the information required for effective research and evaluation. In the short term, it may be possible to modify existing systems. Additionally, bear in mind that all child care is local. Decisions about needs and resources should be based on local data as well as seen in relation to statewide or national averages and trends. Go to the next section.