Program Evaluation and Implementation Science

Catalog description

This course examines program evaluation and implementation science using the variety of early childhood supports and interventions that have evolved to serve low-income children and their families as the “case studies”. Programs that will be examined include: parenting and family support interventions, preschool, child care, kindergarten (and other supports around the transition to school), cash transfer initiatives, parental leave, and maternal and child health. Critical questions explored in the course include: how do we know if child and family programs are effective? Does our help hurt? Why are social programs so difficult to implement and derive positive outcomes from? How are positive outcomes defined and by whom?