Unlock Your Educational Potential
Start Your Journey with Future Path Data
Welcome! Future Path Data was created by a teacher who loves data — and believes that when information is clear and accessible, it becomes a powerful tool for supporting every learner. This page will help you understand what you can do here, where to begin, and how to make the most of the dashboards and resources available.
Childcare & Early Childhood Dashboards
Explore daytime and nighttime childcare capacity across Illinois, see where providers are located, and understand access in your community.
K–12 & College Data Tools
Dive into dashboards that highlight school outcomes, enrollment patterns, and postsecondary pathways.
Guides & Resources
Find checklists, data literacy guides, and local supports to help you navigate educational decisions.
Choose a Dashboard
Choose a dashboard from the menu or the Data Explorer section.
Each dashboard on Future Path Data focuses on a different part of the education or childcare landscape. Start by selecting the tool that matches what you want to explore — whether that’s childcare capacity, K–12 outcomes, or college pathways. The menu and the Data Explorer section make it easy to jump right into the topic you care about.
Zoom in on your county or region
Once the dashboard loads, use the zoom controls to focus on your local area. This helps you see the data that’s most relevant to your community, school district, or family. Zooming in also reveals more detailed patterns that may not be visible at the statewide level.
Click on a location or data point to see details.
Every dot, shaded area, or marker on the map represents real information. Clicking on a data point opens a small window with details such as provider capacity, school outcomes, or regional trends. These pop‑ups help you move from the big picture to the specifics that matter most.
Read the short explanation below each dashboard to understand what the data means.
Under every dashboard, you’ll find a brief, plain‑language description written from a teacher’s perspective. This section explains what the numbers represent, why they matter, and how to interpret what you’re seeing. It’s designed to make data feel approachable, even if you’re not a “data person.”
Use the insights to support decisions at home, in the classroom, or in your community.
The goal of every dashboard is to help you take meaningful action. Whether you’re choosing childcare, advocating for students, planning programs, or simply trying to understand local trends, the insights you gather here can guide thoughtful, informed decisions that support student growth.
Who This Site is For
Future Path Data is built for:
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Families looking for childcare, school options, or clear explanations of educational data
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Educators who want quick, meaningful insights to support students
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Community partners working to improve access and equity
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Anyone who wants to understand how data shapes student experiences
If you care about helping students grow, you’re in the right place.
Start Exploring
Here are the best places to begin:
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Childcare Capacity Map – See daytime and nighttime childcare availability in Illinois
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Education Data Explorer – Browse dashboards for K–12 and college pathways
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Insights & Trends – Read short, teacher‑friendly data stories
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Guides & Checklists – Learn how to interpret data with confidence
Pick the path that fits your needs — or explore them all.
Need Help or Want to Collaborate?
If you have questions, want help interpreting data, or are interested in a custom report for your school or community, I’d love to connect.
Future Path Data is a growing project, and your feedback helps shape what comes next.