Contextual design choices and partnerships for scaling early child development programmes

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Developmental Psychology
• Public Policy

Background:

• Translating global policy for early child development (ECD) into scalable national and regional programs requires evidence-informed implementation guidance.
• The Saving Brains® and Grand Challenges Canada® portfolios funded numerous ECD projects in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of ECD programs within the Saving Brains® and Grand Challenges Canada® portfolios.
• To identify critical factors for designing and scaling ECD interventions effectively.

Main Methods:

• A literature review and participatory mixed-method evaluation of 39 ECD projects across 23 LMICs.
• Analysis focused on partnerships, leadership, situational analyses, and program design for scaling.
• Projects were categorized as 'Transition to Scale' (5) or 'Seed' (34), with 63% delivered via health systems and 84% focusing on Responsive Caregiving and Early Learning (RCEL).

Main Results:

• Multilevel partnerships, strong leadership, and targeted situational analyses were crucial for program design and adaptation.
• While a theory of change approach aided design, practical tools and local data for situational analysis were often lacking.
• RCEL programs within government services demonstrated positive impacts on ECD outcomes and caregiving environments.
• Engagement with informal and private sectors offered alternative delivery mechanisms where government services were limited.
• Cost-effectiveness was infrequently assessed.

Conclusions:

• Small-scale RCEL interventions can be successfully adapted and implemented in diverse settings through responsive situational analysis and partnership models.
• Accelerating ECD progress necessitates larger-scale, longitudinal evaluations, including programs for children with disabilities and in humanitarian contexts.
• Further research should explore cost-effectiveness, critical program content, and human resource needs for scaled ECD interventions.