1. BRIEFING NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
2016 SURVEY RESULTS ON PARTICIPANT NEEDS AND FEEDBACK
PURPOSE
The purpose of this note is to inform the Executive Director of West Side Family Place of the 2016
Participant Survey: a summary most significant results and recommendations. The survey results from
parent and caregiver feedback are critical for grant proposals, and strategic planning at a means of
continuously improving the daily drop-in sessions, parenting programs, and other aspects of West Side
Family Place.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted during a three-week period from June 13th
to July 1st
when many different
programs were taking place so that a wide variety of participants, including drop-in and program
participants, had the opportunity to participate in the survey. There was only one respondent from each
family participating in the survey. Surveys were anonymous and any identifying information was kept
strictly confidential.
Survey Objectives included:
• Measuring participant satisfaction with staff, drop-in programs, parent programs, and more to
provide an accurate, representative picture of participants’ experiences and continuously
improve Family Place’s programs and services.
• Measuring participant demographics in order to have a representative sample of the entire
participant population, including caregivers, nannies and family members as caregivers.
• Measuring child development opportunities and improvements related to WSFP programs and
services.
• Having at least 80 parents and 40 caregivers participate in the survey. This quota was met and a
total of 131 participant surveys were completed.
We provide a 2-year comparison for every year when possible. Please take note that there were slight
question changes between 2015 and 2016, resulting in some questions not being comparable.
Evaluation is an ongoing process at Family Place. In addition to the annual survey, member / participant
feedback is received through individual program evaluations, informal conversations with staff, volunteer
evaluations and staff evaluations.
SURVEY FINDINGS
The following survey findings are the most significant statistical findings from 2015 and 2016.
1. In 2016, 100% of parents either strongly agree or agree that they feel welcomed or accepted at
WSFP compared to 94% in 2015.
2. In 2016, 100% of parents either strongly agree or agree that staff treat members with respect
compared to 98% in 2015.
3. In 2016, less caregivers responded strongly agree at a decreased margin of 3-16% compared to
2015 regarding caregiver welcome and acceptance, staff respectability, and program opportunities
and participation.
4. In 2016, more caregivers did not respond or responded with Does Not Apply to 11 out of 16
questions targeted for caregivers compared to 2015. The majority did not respond.

2. 5. In 2016, less parents and caregivers responded strongly agree to making friends and connections
at WSFP with 30% parents and 46% caregivers responding strongly agree in 2015 compared to 20%
parents and 39% caregivers responding strongly agree in 2016.
6. In 2016, 24% of parents strongly agree that they have become more aware of the services and
resources available in the community compared to 32% in 2015.
7. In 2016, 73% of parents have a University Degree or Postgraduate Degree.
8. In 2016, 59% of caregivers indicated they come to Family Place 1-2 times per week compared to
58% in 2015.
RECCOMMENDATIONS AND NEXT STEPS
After reviewing the 2016 Participant Survey: a summary, three main recommendations were found in
the report:
1. A few families (6) would like to have more drop-in hours, particularly in the afternoons to
accommodate their child’s varying needs and schedules.
Long term solution: conducting a feasibility and demographics study to indicate the needs of the
community and the funding necessary to see the possibility of extending drop-in hours or adding an
afternoon drop-in session.
2. A few families (4) explained they would like to see an earlier circle time schedule due to their
child’s varying nap schedule.
Long term solution: conducting a feasibility and demographics study to indicate the needs of the
community and the funding necessary to meet those needs.
3. A few families (3) expressed they would like to have a larger space, which would essentially
solve the issue of overcrowding when the place gets quite busy.
Long term solution: conducting a feasibility and demographics study to explore the possibilities and
opportunities of a WSFP Satellite Program.
After reviewing the 2016 Participant Survey: a summary, one personal observation made was:
1. In 2016, more caregivers did not respond or responded with Does Not Apply to 11 out of 16
questions targeted for caregivers compared to 2015. The majority did not respond.
Short term solution: making the 2017 survey available online to receive a higher response rate, and
less questions left blank.
The majority of survey participants commented that changes were not necessary as the programs and
services are excellent the way they are. Only a small portion of survey participants made
recommendations.