APPENDIX: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In collaboration with the Community Action Network (CAN), the Travis County Health and Human Services and Veterans Services, Research and Planning Division worked with the CAN Assessment & Planning Committee to create a process for the ongoing Community Assessment. As suggested by the CAN Resource Council, the Assessment should be a report on community conditions and needs that is:
- Balanced: includes diversity of input
- Accurate: based upon data that is current and appropriate
- Useful: helpful in making decisions
- Accessible: clearly written, readily understandable and easily available
These criteria guided the research process and methodology. Input was sought from a wide range of stakeholders to achieve balance as well as to produce a useful document. Additionally, workforce data, information and general advice was sought from early education, development and child care experts to ensure accuracy and balance. The draft documents were circulated for editing and comments to produce an accurate and accessible document for the community. The finalized document will be accessible in a printed format and on several web-sites. Furthermore, an evaluation form is included with each Assessment in order to provide ideas for enhancing future versions. In summary:
A. Guidance and assistance was obtained from:
CAN Assessment and Planning Committee
Early Education and Care Workgroup
Austin/Travis Co. Health & Human Services Dept., Early Childhood staff
Various Social Service Providers
B. Community presentations about process and content were made to:
CAN Administrative Team
CAN Community Council
CAN Resource Council
Travis County Commissioners Court
C. Literature reviews and general research were conducted by:
Travis County Research and Planning Division
D. Input from community members was achieved through:
1. Focus groups
Success by Six Task Force focus groups
Travis County Human Service Providers Focus Group
2. Surveys
Parenting Education Task Force
Various Social Service Providers
3. Resource consultations
LuAnne Aponte, Austin Families, Inc.
Cecilia Blanford, Austin Community Nursery Schools
Fred Butler, CAN
Ron Hubbard, A/TCHHSD
Jennifer Sauter, Connections Resource Center
Linda Welsh, A/TCHHSD
Sam Woollard, CAN
