Services Offered by the Forum

Research and Analysis

Effective programs are built on evidence-based information. Scientific and technical knowledge is a decisive element in shaping early care and education. Regardless of the function, surveying child care and early education status and needs, setting policies and standards, conducting research, financing and delivering services, providing technical assistance and resources, and evaluating the success of interventions/programs provides critical information for agencies making decisions that affect the industry. The Children's Forum understands that the political environment strengthens this pragmatic requirement for knowledge-based programming at every level by mandating strategic planning, annual performance monitoring, and periodic evaluation. Our researchers are skilled in planning, data gathering, study design, and methods of qualitative and quantitative research. We will conduct needs assessments, surveys, focus groups, case studies, state-of-the-field literature reviews, policy analyses, process and outcome evaluations, as well as develop long-range strategies and action plans.