Lessons learned: designing and employing dimensions and criteria to assess readiness for scaling ECD in emergencies programmes and services

• In Event: Part 1: A systems approach to equity at scale in early childhood development in emergencies: challenges, opportunities, and new directions

Proposal

This paper will highlight an emergent approach to exploring and assessing scalability for ECDiE.

The challenge: Assessing Scalability

In order to assess scalability, the literature suggests that a first step is defining parameters for or “dimensions” agreed upon to explore regarding “taking an intervention to scale” (Zamboni et. Al, 2019, pg. 546). Another important step for preparing to assess scalability of an intervention (s) is defining the purpose and process of the scalability assessment (Zamboni et. Al, 2019, pg. 546). Zamboni et. Al (2019) outline an entire participatory process.

Despite the assumed added value of assessing scalability during interventions’ design and implementation to maximize resources and ensure intended interventions’ results, there is a dearth of research on the use of using scalability tools in peer-reviewed literature (as cited in Zamboni et. Al, 2019). Some studies suggest scalability tools are useful to support adaptive management approaches to modifying interventions for enhanced relevance and effectiveness, however, there is limited evidence on the ultimate effectiveness of adapting interventions for the purpose of scaling (Zamboni et. Al, 2019). There are other challenges related to assessing scalability, namely that scalability has been confounded with expansion and replication, with limited attention to factors such as robust performance under routine [and dynamic, evolving] conditions and the extent it is embedded within local systems (Zamboni et. Al, 2019, pg. 545).

The opportunity: Creating an evidence-based, harmonized approach for rapidly assessing Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE) interventions’ scaling readiness

In the ECD sector, recommendations for scaling ECD interventions have emerged in recent years (Cavallera, Tomlinson, Radner, et. Al 2019, pg. S48; McCoy, Wolf, & Tsinigo, 2022; Chair, 2018).

Based on emergent developments in the ECD sector, and taken together with literature on opportunities and challenges for assessing scalability, this paper highlights a process undertaken by an organization to identify and establish harmonized Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE) scalability dimensions and criteria.

A rapid review of the literature on scaling; ECD scaling; and scalability assessments was conducted. This paper will highlight key findings from this literature review and the subsequent harmonized dimensions and criteria determined to rapidly assess existing ECD and ECDiE interventions’ scaling potential and challenges.

Lastly, topline results from employing the rapid ECDiE scalability assessment tool will be presented. Characteristics of interventions and services deemed ready to scale, near-ready to scale, and those with opportunities for growth to be ready to scale in the future will be highlighted. Additionally, lessons learned will be shared from employing the assessment tool to identify ECDiE interventions’ potential to scale.

Author

• Kathryn A Moore