Increasing Early Childhood Care and Development through Community Preschools in Cambodia 2016, Baseline Survey

This impact evaluation study consists of a baseline (2016), midline (planned for 2017) and Endline (planned for 2018) data collection. The objectives of the evaluated intervention are to expand access to quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) for 3-5-year-olds (through the construction of facilities, provision of materials, training of staff), as well as to build the demand for Early Childhood Care and Development ECCD services among families from disadvantaged backgrounds. The study aims to find out whether the provision of simple community preschools increases enrollment and retention rates in ECCD services. Particularly with an eye towards primary school readiness, effects on the cognitive and socio-emotional development of young children are measured. Using longitudinal data, it is tested whether complementary demand-side interventions increased enrollment, especially among the poorest households, and if demand-side interventions have an effect on the impact of the intervention.

The scope of the ECCD includes:

- Child test administered to the child: Mathematics (MELQO), Literacy (MELQO), Cognition (MELQO + draw a person test + Receptive Vocabulary Test), fine motor (MELQO), Gross Motor (MDAT), Non-cognitive (Cancellation task, MELQO), Anthropometrics (height and weight)

- Child test administered to the mother: Non-cognitive (MDAT), SDQ, health-related questions

- Caregiver Questionnaire: Child health, school enrollment, parental involvement, anthropometrics (height and weight)

- Household Questionnaire: SES household (income, assets, education, house quality, etc.)

- Village chef Questionnaire: school quality measures, infrastructure, etc.