About the Early Learning Toolkit

There is emerging evidence on the effectiveness of certain interventions to improve the quality of early child development (ECD) programs and primary learning in developing countries. However, there is a need to make this knowledge accessible to practitioners like program managers and educators. ECD and primary education practitioners in the developing world often lack places from which to draw practical tools. The Early Learning Toolkit bridges this gap by serving as a hub where practitioners can find actionable tools and knowledge to support implementation and awareness of evidence-based strategies for improving quality in early childhood programs and learning at the primary level.
 

Practical tools

The Early Learning Toolkit, housed within Results for Development’s Center for Education Innovations, provides users with actionable information about eleven strategies to improve the quality of early childhood programs, learning in the primary grades, and program management. These strategies have been selected based on strong evidence of their effectiveness and demonstrated practitioner need. For each strategy, users can access key implementation tips, practical tools and guides, case studies of programs using the approach, and relevant research.
 

Evidence-based
 

Early childhood strategies

The four early childhood strategies were informed by a review of key literature on early childhood program quality. More than 50 early childhood programs and organizations from around the world were surveyed to identify the needs of practitioners. A group of expert advisors also provided input on the selection and scope of these four strategies.

Learning strategies

The four learning strategies included in the toolkit have been selected based on a thorough review of recent education literature. Selected strategies are supported by evidence indicating their effectiveness in improving learning outcomes. Implementation tips were collected through interviews with program implementers as well as a review of literature. The learning strategies are informed by the following evidence:

• Recent evaluations funded through the Hewlett Foundation's Quality Education in Developing Countries initiative
• Systematic reviews of early learning interventions
• Direct input from practitioners

Demand-driven

From the earliest stages, we have incorporated feedback from practitioners to make sure the Toolkit is as relevant, useful, and user-friendly as possible. We have solicited feedback on the strategies we have selected, the types of content included, and the website itself. Is there something we missed that you would like to see here? Get in touch!

We want to hear from you

This toolkit is built on input from practitioners like you. Do you have experience implementing an approach and lessons you would like to share? Resources related to one or more of these approaches you can contribute? Thoughts on the implementation tips we have highlighted or tools we have included? Get in touch!