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Our Evaluation Reports

Here at the Childhood Development Initiative, we are dedicated to conducting both internal and external evaluations of our interventions to ensure the utmost quality and effectiveness of our services. Our journey in prevention and early intervention programmes began in 2004 with a baseline study called “How Are Our Kids?” which examined the lived experiences of children in Tallaght West. Building upon this study, we have since developed a comprehensive suite of prevention and early intervention programmes tailored to address the specific needs of our community and achieve improvements in various outcomes.

We are passionate about evidence-informed practice and have an effective monitoring and evaluation process in place to ensure the ongoing improvement of our work. Our Quality Services, Better Outcomes Framework was developed in 2019 and provides a strong foundation for the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of interventions.

Below is an extensive list of our evaluations conducted across our many programme areas.

Evaluation reports: Active Programmes

CDI – Overall

  1. Service Output Figures 2014-2015
  2. Process Evaluation Report 2014

Ante-Natal to Three Initiative

Chit-Chat

Doodle Den

Doodle Families

Parental Support

Promoting family well-being through parenting support in ECEC services: parents’ views on a model implemented in Ireland

Summary

Promoting family well-being through parenting support in ECEC services: parents’ views on a model implemented in Ireland explores CDIs parenting support model, Powerful Parenting, implemented in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services in economically disadvantaged areas of Dublin, Ireland. The model employs Parent Carer Facilitators (PCFs) in ECEC centres to support families by working closely with parents to identify and address their needs through tailored support such as one-on-one interactions, group activities, home visits, and resource facilitation.

Key Findings:

  1. Activities and Support: PCFs provided emotional, informational, and practical support, including guidance on parenting practices and help accessing external services. Group activities included educational workshops and interactive sessions involving both parents and children.
  2. Parental Views: Parents appreciated the PCFs’ approachability, responsiveness, and role as a bridge between home and the ECEC centre. Outcomes included improved understanding of children’s needs, better access to support services, and enhanced socio-emotional well-being.
  3. Model’s Strengths: The programme’s individualised, relationship-based approach recognises the different influences on families and fosters positive interactions in their immediate environments (home and school).
  4. Challenges and Context: The study occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced family dynamics and service delivery. The findings suggest that the model’s adaptability to diverse needs and environments is a significant advantage.

This innovative approach contrasts with many existing programmes by embedding a dedicated parenting specialist directly in ECEC centres, enhancing accessibility and continuity of support. The study highlights the potential of such models to improve family and child outcomes in disadvantaged areas.

Restorative Practices

Our Earlier Programmes

Community Safety Initiative

Family Links/Family Imprisonment Parenting Programme

Healthy Schools

Mate-Tricks