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OIR assist clients in developing evaluations for new and ongoing projects. Evaluation varies greatly in scope – from straightforward satisfaction surveys to full-blown experimental studies. Evaluation techniques commonly used include surveys (online, mail and phone), focus groups, and interviews. We work with the client to ensure that each evaluation, whether small or large, is meaningful, user-friendly and produces usable results.
Example:
Oldham Innovative Research has been the evaluator for two large Early Reading First Grants located in Portland, ME and Methuen, MA. Early Reading First, a federal initiative, closely examines a child’s language and literacy skills two years prior to Kindergarten. OIR’s evaluation looks at child growth and development using a variety of child assessment instrumentation as well as programmatic evaluation to determine if classroom practices have made a difference. Using a team of trained data collectors and becoming an integrated part of the Early Reading First teams, OIR has provided important input and data to strengthen the outcomes of early literacy for young children
Sample Document:
 Document One. Early Reading First factsheet
Many clients are aware that research around their area of interest exists but rarely have the time to use research to better inform their project (s). OIR assists clients by finding trends and using data from a variety of sources to help programs make better implementation decisions based on work that has already been tried and tested through research. We specialize in making research information palatable to the non-researcher through the use of visuals and real-life examples.
Example:
OIR has assisted the states of Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts in the development of a statewide early childhood quality rating system. Part of the development stage has been to create an understanding of what other state have done to successfully implement their quality rating systems. OIR has worked with a team of experts to better understand the research around quality rating systems to help the aforementioned states gather enough information to better inform their decisions around QRS statewide implementation.
Sample Document:
Document Two. Quality Rating System Factsheet
OIR staff has worked with several different types of teams in developing responses for proposals at local, state and national levels with a great deal of success. OIR helps their clients in developing a logic model that maps out their goals and objectives in an organized fashion to lay the foundation for grant development. OIR also writes comprehensive evaluation plans to be incorporated into proposals, which are required by most grants.
Example:
OIR assisted the Sanford School Department in securing federal Safe Schools grant funding from the Dept. of Education, a $3 million multi-year project. The comprehensive logic model was a unique aspect of the grant and the blueprint for the project. This particular logic model was produced collaboratively with the all the members of the Sanford Safe Schools collaboration.
Sample Document:
Document Three. Sanford Safe Schools Logic Model
OIR provides technical assistance for clients in an effort to help them better understand how to best implement their project and interpret and use the data gathered from a particular project. We provide technical assistance to clients in specific areas of expertise including (1) using logic models, (2) using project data, (3) project implementation and improvement, (4) using child and classroom assessments. Our experience working in the field enhances the ability of our technical assistance to be meaningful and useful.
Example:
Using lessons learned from the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley child assessment project, OIR was contracted by the Massachusetts Dept. of Early Education and Care to provide assistance to programs receiving Universal Pre-Kindergarten funding to implement a child assessment system from a menu of four choices. OIR offered assistance to programs in searching for appropriate training, interviewed programs on progress and what was needed throughout the project for optimal success and tracked progress of implementation to note successes and challenges to further inform other potential grantees.
Sample Document:
Document Four. Recommendations for Implementing a Child Assessment System in Massachusetts
OIR has a cadre of trained data collectors for use in project evaluations or technical assistance projects. Staff from OIR has been trained to assess classroom environments using a variety of Environmental Rating Scales like the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale™ and the Early Language and Literacy Classrooms Observation (ELLCO). OIR staff has also been trained in administering individual child assessments and do so in a manner that respects the nature of a young child’s interests and attention span. Data collectors are also trained in conducting phone and in-person interviews and allow us to rapidly expand our capacity to complete projects on tight timelines.
Once data is collected, we analyze the data in ways determined in consultation with the client to be meaningful. We then produce fact sheets or other data summaries that can be used by the client for program improvement and fund raising.
Example:
OIR was hired to develop a database of child care health consultants in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Previously, the department had no way of knowing the names and affiliations of child care health consultants around the state. Our data collectors called thousands of child care programs over two months to develop the database.
Sample Document:
Document Five. Mental Health Services in Early Childhood Factsheet
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