Introduction
In the ever-evolving field of early childhood education and care (ECEC), sustainability of programs is a critical concern. The recent development of the Integrated Measure of PRogram Element SuStainability in Childcare Settings (IMPRESS-C) offers a robust tool for assessing the sustainability determinants of public health interventions. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage the findings from the IMPRESS-C study to enhance their practice and ensure long-lasting program success.
Understanding IMPRESS-C
The IMPRESS-C measure was developed to evaluate the sustainability of public health interventions in ECEC settings. The study, conducted by Shoesmith et al., involved a rigorous two-phase process to develop and validate a 26-item measure that assesses various determinants influencing program sustainability. The measure focuses on four key domains: Outer Contextual Factors, Inner Contextual Factors, Processes, and Characteristics of the Intervention.
Key Findings and Implications for Practitioners
The study revealed several critical insights that practitioners can apply to improve program sustainability:
- Structural Validity: The IMPRESS-C measure demonstrated good structural validity, indicating that it accurately reflects the underlying constructs it intends to assess. Practitioners can use this measure to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing program sustainability.
- Internal Consistency: With good internal consistency across most domains, the measure provides reliable data that practitioners can trust to make informed decisions.
- Concurrent Validity: The study found significant relationships between certain domains and the duration of program delivery, highlighting the importance of external partnerships and organizational readiness in sustaining programs.
Practical Applications
Practitioners can use the IMPRESS-C measure to identify areas for improvement in their programs. By focusing on enhancing external partnerships, ensuring adequate resources, and fostering a supportive organizational culture, practitioners can significantly increase the likelihood of sustaining their programs over time.
Encouraging Further Research
While the IMPRESS-C measure provides a valuable tool for assessing sustainability determinants at the executive level, further research is needed to develop measures that capture the perspectives of frontline educators and staff. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in ongoing research efforts to refine and expand the use of sustainability measures in ECEC settings.
Conclusion
The IMPRESS-C measure offers a groundbreaking approach to understanding and enhancing program sustainability in early childhood education and care settings. By implementing the findings from this research, practitioners can make data-driven decisions that lead to more sustainable and effective programs.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Integrated Measure of PRogram Element SuStainability in Childcare Settings (IMPRESS-C): development and psychometric evaluation of a measure of sustainability determinants in the early childhood education and care setting.
