163 - Evaluating Early Childhood Education Programs: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract Information: The earliest years of life are incredible growth and development. As a result, research in early childhood education (ECE) programs has grown exponentially in recent decades. However, despite substantial investment and a wealth of literature on ECE programs, more research is needed to assess the impact and evaluation processes and understand the effectiveness of the most used evaluation tools. Research has shown differing effects of ECE, with some studies showing positive results while others have produced deleterious effects. Hence, the present study seeks to fill this gap by reporting a systematic review evaluating the impact of ECE programs to develop a robust understanding of the role of evaluation in the service of quality programs. More specifically, the present review investigated the process of evaluating ECE programs across the following constructs: evaluation purpose, standards, and methods focusing on a participatory evaluation. A comprehensive search of six electronic databases, including studies on ECE programs published in English from 1994 to 2022, was conducted. The review excluded studies of programs designed exclusively for children with special needs. Thirty studies and five reports met the requirements for inclusion. Most reviewed studies of the last three decades focused on low-income families. They measured the impact of ECE programs using questionnaires, interviews, assessments, surveys, classroom observation, parents' participation, developmental milestones, child behavioral checklists, and environmental rating scales.