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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1:

Hodgson, S., Papatheodorou, T., & James, M. (2014). Monitoring and evaluation of an early childhood development programme: Implications for leadership and management. Management in Education, 28(4), 144–148.

Abstract:

The article aims to discuss preliminary findings from a participatory monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework, used in a community-based early childhood development (ECD) programme in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa, and their implications for leadership and management. The purposes of the M&E were for LETCEE, the implementing organization, to enhance its own learning and M&E systems, and to gather data for use by the funding body to advocate for alternative ECD programmes. A participatory M&E framework was used, adopting a case study design, to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources. Thematic analysis and statistical analysis were employed for qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Emerging issues from data analysis included: use of data beyond accountability to funders; new learnings for all those involved with M&E; and informing decision-making and planning. The implications of these findings are discussed for the organization’s leadership and management.

Questions to Consider:

1. Describe the purpose and methodology of the study.
2. Explore various positive aspects of a successful early childhood education program. 
3. What are the implications of the study findings for counselors, educators, and parents?  

Article 2:

Razaz, N., Tremlett, H., Boyce, W.T., Guhn, M., Joseph, K.S., & Ruth, A.M. (2015). Impact of parental multiple sclerosis on early childhood development: A retrospective cohort study. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 1–12.

Abstract:

Background: Exposure to parental chronic illness is associated with several adverse developmental outcomes.

Objectives: We examined the association between parental multiple sclerosis (MS) and childhood developmental outcomes. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study in Manitoba, Canada, using linked databases. The outcome was childhood development at 5 years of age, expressed as vulnerability (absent vs. present) on the Early Development Instrument (EDI). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Children with an MS parent (n=153) were similar to children of unaffected parents (n=876) on all EDI domains. However, mental health morbidity was more common among MS parents compared with non-MS parents 49.5% vs. 35.3%. Among MS parents, mental health morbidity was associated with children’s vulnerability on the social competence (OR, 5.73 [95% CI: 1.11–29.58]) and emotional maturity (OR, 3.03 [95% CI: 1.03–8.94]) domains. The duration of child’s exposure to parental MS was associated with vulnerability on the physical health domain (OR, 1.49 [95%CI: 1.03–2.15]). Conclusion: Parental MS was not associated with adverse early childhood developmental outcomes. However, children of parents with mental health morbidity, and those with longer duration of exposure to parental MS, were at higher risk for early childhood developmental vulnerability.

Questions to Consider:

1. Discuss potential developmental vulnerabilities for children whose parents have a chronic disability.
2. Describe the study results and the implications of its findings.
3. What is the possible impact of exposure to parental coping for developing children?