Hello Abraham,

Are these of any help:

Godfrey J (2012) An exploratory study of the interface of child-headed households and academic performance: A case of primary school students in Beatrice resettlement area, Zimbabwe.

http://ir.uz.ac.zw/bitstream/handle/10646/1084/jakachira_thesis.pdf?sequence=1

Demir CE et al (2006) The Relationship Between Work, School Performance and School Attendance of Primary School Children in Turkey

 http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/158450.doc

Watson A (2008) The Impact of Child Labour on the Educational Achievement of Children in Vietnam

http://www.younglives.org.uk/files/YL-SP-Watson-MScDissertation-2008.pdf

These are reviews rather than research, but it might be of interest:

Bezerra MEG et al (2009) The impact of child labor and school quality on academic achievement in Brazil

http://ftp.iza.org/dp4062.pdf

Cortes, R. (2008). Children and Women Left Behind in labour sending countries: an appraisal of social risks. New York: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Policy, Advocacy and Knowledge Management Section, Division of Policy and Practice.

http://www.childmigration.net/files/Rosalia_Cortes_07.pdf

Very best wishes,

Mary

I think you do not need to think about the number of samples. The point is just use snowball sampling to determine the variation of information. As long as it varies then your research informant needs to be added. If the information obtained is the same and there is no new information added, then that is the most appropriate number of informants in your case. May be useful. Thank you.

I suggest to find an expert in qualitative research, and include him/her as a coauthor consultant. You will gain experience through this process. Just knowing the name of the design will not make the design successful, it is a meticulous process differ in each research.

Phenomenology will give you the perspective of these childrens. You may also use observation actually doing them child labor. Small sample is not that big issue in qualitative research and 20-30 participants are enough for your purpose.