Accessing and recruiting children for research in schools

Gaining access to the schools and recruiting children as research participants are challenging tasks. To facilitate gaining access to the schools, multiple strategies are necessary, including understanding specific characteristics of the schools, using the proper lines of authority and communication, identifying the gatekeepers, and persuading the schools of the significance and mutual benefits from the study. Once access is gained, strategies for successful recruitment of children include use of developmentally appropriate motivators and incentives; multilevel communications with administrators, principals, teachers, staff, parents/guardians, and children; and provision of privacy and confidentiality during data collection and sharing of the findings. Specific examples from an ongoing study are used to illustrate helpful strategies.