Data Request Form

Parameters for the Current Limited Implementation Phase

On September 2, 2025, NCLDS enters a Full Open (Limited Implementation) phase. It will stay in this phase until its online Data Request User Interface (currently under construction) is complete.

Limited Implementation means that, while all planned data request services are functional, much of the process is being managed by hand. As a result, NCLDS will process only a limited number of requests during this phase, guided by the following parameters:

  • NCLDS will process up to 4 requests in 2025
  • NCLDS will process additional requests in 2026, with the total number processed to be based on:
    • Lessons learned during 2025
    • Prospects for the availability of the online User Interface
  • Request documents will be accepted daily, but all request documents will be held until the end of each month, at which point NCLDS and its Data Contributors will prioritize fulfilling requests based on:
    • Their relevance to the NCLDS Learning Goals;  
    • Their relative level of urgency for one or more Data Contributors; and
    • The degree to which the request can help NCLDS and its Data Contributors continue to test the NCLDS request process.
  • Monthly request consideration periods:
    • Week of September 29
    • Week of October 27
    • Week of November 17
    • Week of December 15
  • Requests that are not declined outright but that also are not selected for advancement in a given month automatically will be reconsidered the following month (you will not need to resubmit)
  • Because the Limited Implementation process is being managed manually, NCLDS makes no commitment regarding turnaround time
  • In addition, NCLDS reserves the right to pause acceptance of new requests, even if the limit for the year has not been reached

Once complete (2026), the online User Interface will enable NCLDS to enter a Final Full Open phase and, pending successful implementation of the online User Interface, lift most of these limitations.

Preparing to Make Your Request

Begin by reading the How NCLDS Works brief, Making Data Requests.

When you are ready to begin a request, send an email to ncldshelp@nc.gov to request the first form.

When you have completed the first form, return it to ncldshelp@nc.gov  NCLDS will include your request in the list of requests to be considered by NCLDS Data Contributors at the end of the month. NCLDS will update you on the status of your request at the end of the monthly consideration period.

Data Availability Limitations during the Limited Implementation Phase

  • The only data elements currently available are the ones listed in the online Data Dictionary; some elements that you may expect to find available, based on past data requests to NCLDS Data Contributors, remain under consideration for exposure by our Data Contributors and may not be available until 2026
  • Data from the Early Childhood Integrated Data System and its ten Data Owners are not yet available for certain years (available years will be noted in the Data Selector workbook you receive during a later stage of the request process)
  • There are significant limitations on the availability of wage data, primarily based on whether you are eligible to work with record-level wage data. If your request involves wage data, NCLDS will work with you to help you understand how those data can be included in your work
  • Because most requesters are not eligible to receive Personally Identifiable Information (PII), NCLDS will perform entity resolution (linking of individual records across data sources) for you. For more information about how NCLDS handles entity resolution, please see the related How NCLDS Works briefs
Off