Using lessons learnt from key stakeholders to increase support for scaling the Reach Up Early Childhood Parenting...

Area of Science:

• Early Childhood Education
• Developmental Psychology
• Global Health

Background:

• Sustainable early childhood programs require adaptable, scalable, and feasible resources for multi-sectoral delivery.
• The Reach Up program promotes development in disadvantaged children (under 4) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through caregiver interactions.
• Effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) are crucial for program responsiveness and adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report how data from key informants drove modifications to the Reach Up program's processes, materials, and resources.
• To identify necessary improvements for scaling up the Reach Up intervention.

Main Methods:

• In-depth interviews with 14 key informants across 15 LMICs.
• Analysis of written records from a Knowledge Exchange meeting and post-meeting working groups.
• Thematic analysis of interview transcripts and meeting records.

Main Results:

• Identified need for advocacy and communication materials for prospective implementers.
• Highlighted necessity to revise curriculum content and format, and enhance training manuals.
• Indicated a need to improve the overall training process for program staff.

Conclusions:

• Global partner feedback informed the development of new resources and modifications to existing materials.
• These updates will support advocacy, ongoing implementation, and scaling up of the Reach Up intervention.
• Program modifications enhance its adaptability and sustainability for wider reach.