The "Prescription for Play" Project Team Conducts Study in Bijie

The "Prescription for Play" project, jointly initiated by China Development Research Foundation (CDRF) and the LEGO Group, conducted an evaluation study in six counties (districts) of Bijie, Guizhou. The study took place on June 26 to July 2, 2023, and employed a strict random sampling to track the effectiveness of the "Prescription for Play" project in Qixingguan District and to conduct a baseline evaluation in the remaining counties (districts).

CDRF organized a team consisting of more than 60 people from the National Survey Research Center of Renmin University of China and Bijie Preschool Education College, which was divided into three groups and went to 32 townships (streets) and 38 villages (communities) in six counties (districts) of Bijie to collect comprehensive assessment data from parents and caregivers. Data include group questionnaire interviews and household questionnaire interviews on the perception of early child development and learning, parent-child interaction, and early development of children aged 18-48 months etc.

In addition, professionals from Renmin University of China conducted in-depth interviews with some of the parent caregivers and program personnel to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Prescription for Play" program through a case study approach. After five consecutive days of field work, the team completed questionnaire interviews with more than 800 people and in-depth interviews with nearly 30 people.

Weining, Zhijin, Hezhang, Qixingguan and other counties (districts) Health Bureau provided strong support for the organization and implementation of the study. The evaluation will explore intervention methods for the Bijie "Prescription for Play" project and improve the parent-child interaction guidance training for local health services personnel, and lay a solid foundation for improving parenting practices and early childhood development in less developed areas.