Improving Data-Based Decision-Making in Early Childhood Services: A Systematic Review Informed by the Capability Opportunity and Motivation Model of Behavior

Abstract

Monitoring early childhood service (ECS) quality, accessibility, and participation is crucial to ensuring that services make data-based decisions and redress inequities. This review sought to identify effective data-utilization interventions and specific strategies in five ECS settings: antenatal care; nurse home visiting; early childhood education; parenting programs, and early years of school. Searches across five bibliographic databases yielded 12 independent-groups studies, all in primary schools. Application of a behavior change framework showed that in addition to education and training to build capability, strategies to increase opportunities and motivation were important components of effective interventions. Rigorous research in pre-primary settings is needed.