Using Data for Professional Development Leads to Additional Community Support

Powerful insights are helping youth-serving professionals deepen their impact, strengthen families, and create brighter futures for children. By using the most recent data and research, youth workers are learning more about the issues impacting the people they serve and are making their case for more funding and support.  

The Indiana KIDS COUNT® Data Book provides snapshots of child well-being across several areas like access to childcare, graduation rates, economic well-being, among many others. The information packed inside has already proven helpful to children and families in Anderson.  

Brittany Shryock is the Community Engagement Specialist for Kids Place: Early Learning Childcare. Shryock is a liaison to families to ensure every child is connected to the support they need to thrive. She uses Indiana Youth Institute resources like the Data Book to prepare staff as well as write grants for professional development and organizational improvements.  

“I really like to make sure our staff know about the area that we’re serving because Anderson, Indiana is a very impoverished area,” said Shryock. “The 46016 zip code has one of the highest removal rates for children in the system, and we know this because of the Data Book. I like to share that information so that they can be better teachers and leaders and support the whole child because when you know better, you do better.”  

The Data Book has been a reliable source of information for Shryock who was able to use it when an opportunity to support families in a new way presented itself. She used data from the section on access to transportation to apply for a professional development grant after Kids Place received a generous donation of 50 car seats. Thanks to the grant, she earned her car seat technician certification.  

“Because of my certification, we are partnered with the state as a fitting station so that means periodically throughout the year I can request additional car seats,” said Shryock. “We know that if we have a parent walk through our door in need, we have the resources to take care of the families here at Kids Place.” 

Kids Place is located inside Eastside Church of God and will celebrate its second anniversary in August. It currently serves about 60 and Shryock hopes to reach up to 90 children. She hopes more people explore the Data Book to get inspired and take action.  

How can you use data for professional development and organizational support? Download the 2026 Indiana KIDS COUNT® Data Book to learn more about child well-being in your community.

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