Why Use Common Evaluation Tools?

A variety of sources have identified the need for a coordinated approach to Early Childhood Development [ECD] and a common evaluation framework. These include: BC ECD Funders network, BC Healthy Child Development Alliance, the former office of the Child and Youth Representative and the Provincial Health Officer.

There are advantages for both funders and agencies in using a common evaluation system. For funders, the advantages are that the system will provide:

• The provincial picture - a consistent accountability structure for measuring the outcomes of early childhood development programs province wide [currently there is no process to provide evidence for the impact of a range of ECD programs across the province and across regions]
• Reduced duplication of effort in designing evaluation systems amongst funders
• Information that will supplement Early Development Instrument [EDI] research - the EDI tells us about children's vulnerabilities, but for the most part we don't know how changes over time influence the EDI results. 
• Data on outcomes can provide evidence to support sustainable provincial funding for ECD, parenting and family support programs

For agencies, the advantages of a common evaluation system are:

• A simple, community based approach to program evaluation
• Systems that can assist with program planning and strengthening services
• Annual data that can demonstrate the impact of programs
• Reduction in the burden of reporting results to multiple funders

Note: These evaluation tools are not intended to deal with financial reporting.