Attachment V_Comm with Project LAUNCH Teacher Survey (EDI) Respondents

Project LAUNCH Teacher Survey (EDI) Fact Sheet

What is Project LAUNCH?

Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health) is a federally-sponsored program that promotes the wellness of young children from birth to 8 years by addressing the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and behavioral aspects of their development. Project LAUNCH is designed to have a community-wide impact by enhancing the way early childhood systems work together, integrating child behavioral health services with other health services, and implementing evidence-based programs. The expected result is for children to be thriving in safe, supportive environments, and entering school ready to learn and able to succeed. We are studying communities that receive LAUNCH funding as well as communities that do not receive this funding to help us learn more about services and outcomes for children and families in communities across the country. This study is being conducted by a non-profit research organization, NORC at the University of Chicago, under contract with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

What is the Teacher Survey (EDI) and what does it measure?

Kindergarten teachers in selected schools will be asked to fill out the Early Development Instrument (EDI) for each student in his/her class. The EDI measures children's readiness to learn in the school environment in five domains: 1) physical health and well-being; 2) social competence; 3) emotional maturity; 4) language and cognitive development; and 5) communication skills and general knowledge. Children’s school readiness will be assessed in relation to developmental benchmarks rather than curriculum-based ones.

How Will the Information Be Used?

Results from the Teacher Survey or the Early Development Instrument (EDI) will be used to measure the comprehensive school readiness of kindergarten children at the school and community level. Results will be compared to those of schools and communities with similar demographic characteristics. All information collected from kindergarten teachers about their students will be de-identified and reported in aggregate. In other words, no names or other identifying information will be included in our analysis or reports and no individual teacher’s or child’s scores will be released.

How Are the EDI Data Collected?

After receiving an hour-long training and orientation to the survey, kindergarten teachers complete an EDI on each child using an easy online platform. Teachers report that because the EDI is based on observational recall, it is quick and easy to complete. This will not interfere with classroom time because your school principal will either ask selected teachers to complete the training and survey during a professional training day or hire substitute teachers to teach your classes on the day you will complete the EDI. Teachers report that the assessment is easy to use, averaging between 10-15 minutes but no more than 30 min per individual EDI assessment.

How Long Will This Survey Take?

The survey is estimated to take up to 30 minutes per student to complete. Teachers will likely be able to complete it in less time as they get more comfortable with the survey and online data collection.

Will Participants Receive Anything for Completing the EDI?

Teachers will receive $50 for completing the survey. They will also receive their usual wages from their school for the day taken to complete the EDI.

Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions or Concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the research team at [email protected] or by calling 1-415-315-2006.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB number: 0970-0373; Expiration date: XX/XX/XXXX.

Project LAUNCH Teacher Survey (EDI) Thank You Email

Thank you for participating in the multi-site evaluation of Project LAUNCH. The information that you have provided will help us learn more about services and outcomes for children and families in communities across the country. As an incentive for your participation, we would like to offer you a $50 online gift card. To redeem your gift card please use the link below:

(Link to gift card)

Thank you for your participation, which will contribute to the success of this study. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the research team at [email protected] or by calling 1-415-315-2006.

Sincerely,

Kristina Hanson Lowell, PhD David Rein, PhD

Project LAUNCH Multi-Site Evaluation Team Project LAUNCH Multi-Site Evaluation Team
Vice President, Health Care Research Program Area Director, Public Health Research
NORC at the University of Chicago NORC at the University of Chicago

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB number: 0970-0373; Expiration date: XX/XX/XXXX.