Research & Policy
Led by: MECDM Research Unit
in partnership with Population Council Institute & Johns Hopkins University
MECDM's research and policy work is grounded in rigorous evidence, participatory approaches, and a commitment to improving early childhood development outcomes for over 700,000 children across Meghalaya's 12 districts.
Featured Articles
Baseline Assessment of Early Childhood Development Mission — Meghalaya
MECDM Mission Document Booklet
District Nutrition Leadership Programme Framework
State Nutrition Factsheet: Meghalaya Overview
Early Childhood Education Manual
SNP Decentralisation Pilot Report
Impact Evaluation
MECDM has partnered with Population Council Institute and Johns Hopkins University to conduct a rigorous 5-year impact evaluation using a stepped-wedge design. The baseline assessment was completed in October 2025, covering 3,540 children and 4,050 mothers across 590 Anganwadi Centres in 12 districts of Meghalaya.
The study employs a mixed-method approach combining quantitative assessments of 4,050 children across three age cohorts (3–17 months, 18–35 months, and 36–72 months) with qualitative interviews of 45 stakeholders including Anganwadi Workers, ASHA workers, parents, and state administrators. The evaluation follows an IRB-approved protocol with three rounds of data collection at baseline, midline, and endline.
Baseline Assessment Scope
Children Assessed
Across 3 age cohorts
AWCs Covered
In 12 districts, 45 blocks
Mothers Interviewed
Across Khasi, Jaintia & Garo regions
Core Research Questions
- How do MECDM interventions impact child development outcomes across motor, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional domains?
- What changes occur in parenting knowledge, attitudes, and practices as a result of the programme?
- How does the programme influence maternal mental health, employment, and agency?
- What is the implementation efficiency and fidelity of the multi-sector convergence model?
- What factors drive scalability and sustainability of ECD interventions in tribal communities?
Study Timeline
Baseline (Q3 2025)
Data collection completed across 590 AWCs — preliminary analysis released October 2025
Midline Round 2 (Q2–Q3 2026)
Cross-sectional survey + implementation science research + process evaluation
Midline Round 3 (Q2–Q3 2027)
Second stepped-wedge round with expanded coverage
Endline Round 4 (Q3 2028 – Q2 2029)
Final assessment with comprehensive impact evaluation
Assessment & Monitoring Tools
MECDM employs 11 internationally validated research instruments covering child development, nutrition, caregiving practices, and maternal wellbeing. These tools are age-stratified across three cohorts: 0–1.5 years, 1.5–3 years, and 3–6 years.
Data collection is powered by MQUAD, an in-house digital application with built-in auto-checks and skip patterns, ensuring high-quality data across all 12 districts. A three-tier quality assurance process includes field supervisors, state coordinators, and core team reviews.
CREDI — Caregiver Reported Early Development Instrument
3–35 monthsInternationally validated population-level tool measuring early childhood development across motor, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional domains. Administered through structured caregiver interviews with 100+ milestone items.
IDELA — International Development and Early Learning Assessment
36–72 monthsDirect assessment tool measuring school readiness including early literacy, numeracy, motor development, and socio-emotional skills for children aged 3–6 years.
HOME-SF — Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment
0–6 yearsAssesses the quality of a child's home environment including parental responsiveness, learning materials, and physical environment factors that influence development.
KAP Survey — Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices
Age-stratified: 0–1.5y, 1.5–3y, 3–6yThree age-stratified questionnaires measuring caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and child-rearing practices related to early childhood development.
PHQ-4 — Patient Health Questionnaire
Mothers/CaregiversUltra-brief validated 4-item screening tool for anxiety and depression in mothers and caregivers, measuring maternal mental health and wellbeing.
IYCF Indicators — Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices
0–2 yearsWHO-recommended indicators measuring breastfeeding practices, complementary feeding, and dietary diversity for infants and young children.
FANTA Dietary Diversity Score
3–6 yearsFood and Nutrition Technical Assistance tool measuring dietary diversity and food group consumption patterns for children aged 3–6 years.
Quantitative Measurement Domains
Publications & Reports
MECDM produces a wide range of publications including operational guidelines for Anganwadi Centres, community-based programmes, and home-based services; training handbooks such as BaLA (Babyhood, Learning & Activation) and CLL (Community Learning Linkage); strategic mission documents; and field implementation reports from initiatives like the SNP Decentralisation Pilot and Reimagining New AWC programme. These publications serve as the backbone of MECDM's knowledge management and capacity-building efforts across all 12 districts of Meghalaya.
Browse all publications on ResourcesPolicy Documents
MECDM's policy work focuses on developing evidence-based frameworks that shape early childhood development systems at the state and district levels. This includes the District Nutrition Leadership Programme (DNLP) framework, SNP decentralisation strategies, child development standards and quality frameworks, multi-sector coordination strategies, and maternal health policy briefs. All policy documents are grounded in field evidence and informed by rigorous research to ensure practical, scalable governance structures for ECD in Meghalaya.
Browse all policy documents on ResourcesBriefs & Factsheets
MECDM produces state and district-level nutrition factsheets using NFHS-5 data with detailed disaggregation across Meghalaya's districts including East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and Garo Hills. Additionally, MECDM publishes evidence briefs on topics such as early identification of developmental delays and comparative health data analyses. These briefs provide actionable insights for decision-makers, programme implementers, and development partners working across the state.
Browse all briefs and factsheets on ResourcesPartners & Collaborators
