Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

2025/11/16

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication presents data on early childhood development and child well-being in Saudi Arabia.
Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics is a survey conducted to collect data on the main characteristics as follows:
Early childhood development and child well-being: Percentage of children aged 24–59 months who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being.
Data is also used to estimate:
•    Percentage of children aged 36–59 months attending an early childhood education program (school year 2024–2025).
•    Participation rate in organized learning (one year before the official primary entry age), school year 2024–2025.
•    Percentage of children aged 36–59 months living in a positive and learning-stimulating home environment.
•    Children under the age of five who have children’s books.
•    Percentage of children aged 5–7 years who enjoy attending kindergarten.
•    Percentage of children aged 5–7 years performing well in kindergarten.
•    Percentage of children aged 5–7 years in kindergarten who get along well with their classmates.
•    Percentage of children aged 5–7 years who enjoy attending primary school.
•    Percentage of children aged 5–7 years performing well in primary school.
•    Percentage of children aged 5–7 years enrolled in primary school who get along well with their classmates.
•    Percentage of children aged 5–7 years enrolled in primary school who experienced bullying at least once in the past 12 months.
•    Percentage of children aged 5–7 years who use digital technology devices daily.
•    Percentage of children under 5 years of age whose births have been registered with a civil authority.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics Publication.
National Code of Countries and Nationalities (3166 ISO – codes Country):
A statistical classification based on the international standard (ISO 3166_Country codes), which is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO of the UN), and this classification gives numeric and literal codes for the world’s 248 countries, based on the classification of countries. 
The classification is used in Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics to classify Saudi or non-Saudi individuals.
Metadata is collected through interviews so that outputs can be produced in accordance with all relevant classifications.
The classifications are available on the GASTAT’s website:   www.stats.gov.sa

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts of The Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication:
•    Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI):
It is a measurement tool used to assess the developmental progress of children in the early years of life. The index aims to provide a clear picture of children’s status across various developmental domains, such as:
•    Physical growth: 
This aspect includes the child's general health, weight, height, and the development of motor skills.
•    Cognitive development:
This aspect measures the child’s ability to learn, remember, solve problems, and think.
•    Language development:
This aspect relates to the development of a child's language skills, both expressive and receptive.
•    Social and emotional development:
This aspect measures the child's ability to interact with others, form relationships, and manage emotions.

Data sources

The main source of data for the Early Childhood Development and Well-being Statistics Publication is the Women and Child Health Survey 2025.
The key variables published for the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics Publication include:
•    Sex.
•    Nationality.
•    Administrative region.
•    Age groups.

Designing the data collection tool

•    The data were collected using a questionnaire prepared and designed by specialists from the Health and Education Statistics Department at the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). In designing the questionnaire, international recommendations, standards, and definitions issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the fields of health and education were taken into consideration. The questionnaire was reviewed by advisory experts and presented to relevant authorities to obtain their feedback and comments. The questions were formulated following a specific scientific approach aimed at standardizing the way questions are asked by researchers. 
•    Programming the questionnaire and developing the required tools for conducting interviews using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) system.
•    Audit and control rules have been established in the form to ensure that the data collected is consistent, accurate, and logical. These rules are designed to establish a logical relationship between answers and different questions and variables to help the researcher detect any errors directly when filling out the data with the household.
Indicators methodology:
•    The Early Childhood Development Index is calculated using the methodology outlined in Indicator 4.2.1 from Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Percentage of children aged 24–59 months who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex.
•    The indicator of participation rate in organized learning one year before the official primary entry age, calculated using the methodology of indicator 4.2.2 under Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Communication and coordination were cmade with the parents of children aged
0–14 years, to discuss their children’s health. The interviews were conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams, and notes were taken while suggestions were provided regarding some terms and explanations that were unclear to the participants.

Statistical population

The statistical population of the Early Childhood Development and Well-being Statistics Publication consists of children aged 0–7 years who usually reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Sample Design

The sample of the Women and Child Health Statistics Survey was implemented during the period from 24/06/2025 to 30/07/2025.
The sample for the Women and Child Health Survey 2025 was designed based on the 2022 Census framework to ensure accurate representation of the statistical population at the level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including various administrative regions, age groups, sex, and nationality. A stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used, in which enumeration areas were considered as the primary sampling units (PSUs), and households within the selected enumeration areas were considered as the final sampling units (FSUs).
Stratification:
To increase the efficiency of the sample and its representativeness of the target population, the primary sampling units in the sample frame were classified into homogeneous strata. This approach was aimed at obtaining more accurate results compared to a simple random sample of the same size. The stratification was carried out as follows:
Sample size and allocation across strata:
The sample size was estimated at the level of administrative regions (study domain). The sample of the administrative regions was then distributed across strata using proportional allocation to improve the precision of estimates by optimizing the design effect through reducing weight variance. 
The total sample size amounted to 44,953 households. The sample size was calculated using the following parameters and determinants:
•    The allowable coefficient of variation (CV) used in calculating the sample size was less than 1% at the national level, 2.1% at the administrative region level, and 7.7% at the governorate level. 
•    The design effect used was 2.43
•    The expected response rate was 80%.
•       A confidence level of (1-α) = 0.95 was used in estimating the mean.
Table of sample distribution at the level of administrative regions

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The statistical unit in The Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication is the child.

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
The data for the Early Childhood Development Statistics Publication are collected from the Women and Child Health Survey, which was conducted through Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI).

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for Early Childhood Development Statistics is carried out on an annual basis.

Reference area

The Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics cover 13 administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

References period to the variables or dataset as following:
Data on the number of household members and their demographic characteristics are based on the date of contact with the household and interviews conducted with its members.

Base period

Not applicable.

Measurement unit

Most results are calculated as percentages (e.g.: Percentage of children (5-7 years old) enjoying kindergarten, by sex and nationality).

Time coverage

The data are available from 2023 on an annual basis up to 2025.

Publication frequency

The results of the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics are published on an annual basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Meticulous processes were implemented to detect errors in the data collected, using automated and manual methods aimed at ensuring quality and accuracy.
These included the following:
•    Identification of illogical or out-of-range values (such as impossible ages or contradictory data).
•    Detecting missing or incomplete data and handling it according to established policies.
•    Reviewing the internal consistency of the questionnaire responses to ensure data compatibility.
•    Data are reviewed and matched to ensure their accuracy and precision in a way that suits their nature, with the aim of giving the presented statistics quality and accuracy.
•    Data processing and tabulation to verify accuracy before analysis.
All the outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being calculated by GASTAT to be reviewed and processed by specialists in the Education and Health Statistics Department through modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

In the National Health Survey and the Women and Child Health Survey, the national ID of the head of the household is collected and linked with data from the National Information Center during the household interview. This linkage is used to complete data on name, sex, date of birth, age, and relationship to the head of the household, contributing to improving the quality of the household’s demographic data.

Imputation and calibration

Donor record method:
A method in which a missing value in a specific record is replaced with a value taken from another similar record within the same sample.
Steps:
•    Identify records with missing values.
•    Identify similar donor records based on common characteristics such as age, sex, nationality, and administrative region.
•    Select a donor record either randomly or based on the closest match.
•    Copy the missing value from the donor record to the target record.

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, only final results will be published. 

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable, only final results will be published. 

Used Resources

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates how well the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users in the GASTAT for The Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication data:
Social statistics
•    Population, gender, and diversity
•    Living conditions, lifestyles, and justice statistics
•    Health and education statistics.
Several external users and beneficiaries benefit from the data of the statistical product, including:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.
The disseminated key variables that are mostly used by external users:

Completeness 

Data from the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication are based on survey data from:
•    Women and Child Health Survey:
And the data is in a complete state.

Accuracy and reliability 

A standard that measures how close the calculations or estimates are to the exact or true values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

•    The data collected is improved through the researchers who have been selected according to a set of practical and objective criteria and a training programme related to the field of work.
•    Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the data collection process on the e-questionnaire of The Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication to improve data quality.
•    Data is checked with previous years to identify any significant changes in the data.
•    The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
•    The links between variables are checked, and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

A standard that measures the time gap between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
However, timeliness reflects the time difference between the date of data publication and the target date when it is actually published.

Timeliness 

GASTAT uses the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) issued by the International Monetary Fund. According to this Standard, all statistics agencies are required to publish data on an annual basis, with a delay of not more than mid-year (180 days) after the end of the reference period. If the data are from different sources, they may be published at different frequencies.

Punctuality 

Publication is conducted according to the release dates listed in the published statistical calendar for Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics on the website of the General Authority for Statistics.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar. If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Comparability - geographical

The data are comparable both nationally and internationally.

Comparability - over time 

The publication of Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics began in 2023 as an annual publication.

Coherence- Cross domain

Not applicable.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable.

Coherence- Internal 

The Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication estimates have full internal coherence, as they are all based on the same corpus of microdata, and they are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Accessibility and clarity

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available in the statistical calendar, as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT at the link:
Press release

Publications

GASTAT issues the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication on a regular basis within a pre-prepared dissemination plan, and it is published on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain publication tables, data graphs, indicators, metadata, methodology, and questionnaires in both English and Arabic.

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
The different types of microdata files to meet different information needs:
•    Public use: 
It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, e.g., by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly (by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents), such as age, occupation, education, etc.
•    Scientific use:
These files are generated based on specific methodologies requested by data users to extract datasets with particular characteristics. They are used for strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research purposes on individuals, households, and enterprises. The files contain no direct identifiers and are subject to confidentiality protection controls.
Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of accurate data through the platform "ITAHA" of the General Authority for Statistics, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the accurate data laboratory within a secure environment managed by the Authority.

References and standards

An international methodology was used, namely : 
The Early Childhood Development Index, which is calculated using the methodology of Indicator 4.2.1 under Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals: The percentage of children aged 24 to 59 months who are on track in terms of growth in the areas of health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, disaggregated by sex.

Quality assurance

GASTAT considers the following principles: Impartiality, ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented, maintaining the quality of processes and outputs, enhancing the effectiveness of statistical operations, and reducing the burden on respondents.
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT performs all statistical activities according to a national model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final stage of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each stage or sub-process. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report, which outlines all the quality issues related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality – Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data from the SME survey are presented in the right tables in order to summarize and understand as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some data like names and addresses of individuals and names of data providers, which violates the data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential,
GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly (e.g., name, address, contact number, identity number, etc.) or indirectly (by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents), such as age, occupation, education, etc.

Dissemination policy

Statistical calendar

The Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication has been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to meet its clients’ needs, so it provides them with the results immediately after the release of the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics Publication.
It also receives questions and enquiries from clients about the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:   www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:    info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).