Effectiveness and Preferences on Mainstreaming Early Childhood Stimulation Services in Tanzania: A Case Study of Community-based Early Childhood Development Initiative

Abstract

Early childhood stimulation (ECS) services are globally championed due to their proven ability to help children at risk of developmental delay attain their developmental potential. This study explored the effect of different ways of mainstreaming ECS services on child development. A mixed research approach was employed, involving quantitative and qualitative collection methods. Quantitative data was collected using the adopted ZamCAT tool administered to 334 children sampled from the benefited households. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions with the parents (n=4) and in-depth interviews with the key informants (n=14), respectively. The collected quantitative data were coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (25), and the collected qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The binary logistic regression model was employed where the results showed a significant effect on child development from home visiting (p = 0.01) and Early childhood development centres (p = 0.016) compared to clinic outreaches. Children's nutritional status was also an influencing factor for a child to attain optimal developmental status. Furthermore, both community members and ECS services providers highly preferred ECD centres and home visiting services as opposed to a preference for clinic outreaches. The study concludes that when children are subjected to ECS services, attaining optimal development potential regardless of the household background characteristics is the forecasted result. Therefore, the study underscores the capacitation of communities on ECS practices utilising the available enabling environment and increased budget allocation for developing specific ECD policies and deploying experts.