Client / Programme

Ministry of Health and Wellness Jamaica

Sector

Early Childhood Development | Child Health | Screening and Early Intervention

Objective

To assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Jamaican Child Health and Development Programme (CHDP), with a focus on developmental screening, early identification of delays, referral pathways, and service delivery for young children.

Our Role

We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the CHDP to generate evidence on programme performance, implementation fidelity, and outcomes, and to inform programme strengthening and scale-up.

Approach & Methodology

We applied a mixed-methods evaluation design that combined:

• Review of programme documents, tools, and administrative data
• Quantitative analysis of screening and referral data
• Qualitative interviews and consultations with key stakeholders, service providers, and programme administrators
• Assessment of implementation processes across service delivery points

The evaluation was designed to balance methodological rigor with sensitivity to operational realities within the public health and early childhood systems.

Key Areas of Analysis

• Coverage and consistency of developmental screening
• Effectiveness of referral and follow-up mechanisms
• Capacity of service providers to administer screening tools
• Integration of CHDP within existing child health and early childhood services
• Data quality, reporting, and use for decision-making

Findings & Insights

The evaluation generated actionable insights, including:

• Evidence of improved early identification of developmental delays for children (0-8 years)
• Strengths in programme design and alignment with early childhood development goals
• Gaps in referral follow-up, coordination, and data systems that limited timely intervention
• Capacity and resource constraints affecting consistent implementation across sites

Outcomes & Impact

The findings informed practical recommendations to:

• Strengthen screening protocols and provider training
• Improve referral pathways and inter-agency coordination
• Enhance data management and use for programme monitoring
• Support evidence-based planning for programme expansion and sustainability

The evaluation provided decision-makers with credible evidence to refine programme implementation and strengthen early childhood development outcomes.

JR Research Consulting’s Value Add

This case study demonstrates our expertise in evaluating complex early childhood and health programmes, designing mixed-methods studies, and translating technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations. Our work supports governments and partners to improve service delivery, accountability, and outcomes for young children.