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Information that is gathered will be analyzed and interpreted using various techniques and by different groups of people. Depending on the tool and information, some will be mapped, some analyzed using statistical methods, and some information will be analyzed using qualitative methods to identify themes, strengths, and gaps in knowledge and understanding.

Those who will directly participate in the process of interpreting and analyzing results at the local level will be the PLAY-UEY Advisory Committee, PLAY membership, Early Years Committees, school districts, as well as other key stakeholders during community forums.

Appreciative Inquiry

A diversity of research values and methodological approaches to the study of early childhood development are held by members of PLAY and the UEY Advisory Committee. The UEY Advisory Committee members agreed to apply an asset based approach to our local analysis of results as a way to counter-balance deficit and vulnerability based reporting of results.

The asset based approach we have chosen to adopt is known as Appreciative Inquiry.

Appreciative Inquiry: Definitions

"Appreciative Inquiry focuses us on the positive aspects of our lives and leverages them to correct the negative. It's the opposite of 'problem-solving.'"

"Appreciative Inquiry is the cooperative search for the best in people, their organizations, and the world around them. It involves systematic discovery of what gives a system 'life' when it is most effective and capable in economic, ecological, and human terms. AI involves the art and practice of asking questions that strengthen a system's capacity to heighten positive potential."

Note: Definitions are taken from the Appreciative Inquiry Commons website at:
appreciativeinquiry.case.edu/intro/definition.cfm

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This project was developed with funding from Human Resources and Social Development Canada under the Understanding the Early Years Initiative.

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