Challenges in needs assessment: the Head Start needs assessment national analysis

Hsin-Ling Hung; James W Altschuld

doi:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2012.10.001

Challenges in needs assessment: the Head Start needs assessment national analysis

Eval Program Plann. 2013 Jun:38:13-8. doi: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2012.10.001. Epub 2012 Nov 3.

Authors

Hsin-Ling Hung¹, James W Altschuld

Affiliation

¹ University of North Dakota, 231 Centennial Dr. Stop 7189, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7189, United States. sonya.hung@email.und.edu

PMID: 23211605
DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2012.10.001

Abstract

Needs assessment (NA) is conducted to identify discrepancies that guide the development and improvement of services. In this article we focus on methodological issues in a secondary analysis of a multi-site, national needs assessment. Understanding challenges in such a context is important for needs assessors. The Head Start needs assessment project is a good illustration of the problems that can be encountered. Lessons learned will be useful for advancing NA practice in the future.

Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Child Health Services / organization & administration*
Child Welfare*
Child, Preschool
Data Collection
Education / organization & administration
Humans
Needs Assessment / organization & administration*
Poverty*
Research Design
United States