A Protocol for co-designing an Early Childhood Development screening programme to improve outcomes for Pacific children in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
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Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The first five years of life form a critical period that establishes the foundation for lifelong health, learning and behaviour outcomes. The Well Child Tamariki Ora (Well Child) programme is a free service provided by the Ministry of Health, New Zealand that supports the development of all children under five years of age. The programme involves a series of health assessments and support services for the family and the child. Although most children enrolled in the programme receive timely completed assessments, Pacific children experience substantially lower completion rates and subsequently miss out on key resources or services that would support and benefit their development. Considering this, there is a need to improve the current Well Child programme to ensure that the needs of Pacific families and children are met.
Aims
This study aims to develop an improved Well Child programme that will meet the needs of Pacific families and their children. This research project will also establish a broader programme of potential research in the areas of Pacific child and family wellbeing.
Methods
This study utilizes a Community Based Participatory Research framework and brings together Early Childhood Education (ECE) educators, a Pacific Biliteracy Professional learning development project, and Well Child providers as complementary research partners. The study will comprise three phases with each phase drawing on a Pacific research framework to ensure that the approach to the research is culturally appropriate. Phase one involves the design and development of the programme and will be guided by the principles of the Samoan Fa’afaletui research framework. A series of co-design workshops will take place involving ECE educators, health providers and parents/caregivers. Phase two draws upon the Tongan Kakala research framework to pilot the programme within three ECEs in South Auckland. Lastly, Phase three involves disseminating the findings and ensuring translation amongst our research partners and the wider sector.
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