Qualitative case studies

In the third study, we will investigate the effective elements and theory of change of the catch-up and support programmes in more detail. This will provide insight into the required context and elements that ensure effective interventions. We will use the analysis carried out in study 1 to obtain a stratified sample of two early childhood education centres. We will then ask these centres to provide more information on their theory of change. We will then evaluate this theory of change, while also examining in more general terms the effective elements of the selected programmes for specific target groups, as part of the data collection process.

The actual data collection will depend on the timeframe and duration of the programmes in the selected early childhood education centres, but will consist at a minimum of interviews with the institution’s leadership team and the programme leaders, prior to, during and on completion of the programme. We will also conduct observations during the programme (when possible), and we will organise a focus group with a panel of parents and participating children during and on completion of the programme.