Abstract
Behavior problems among preschool children are common. They are important targets for intervention because early externalizing problems and self-regulation issues tend to persist without appropriate attention, and can affect later mental health and school achievement outcomes. However, few preschool curricula addressing social and emotional development exist, and evidence for effects are mixed. In this study, the Second Step Pre/Kindergarten Social and Emotional Learning curriculum was adapted and tested in a small cluster randomized pilot study of community preschool classrooms to determine if it could improve outcomes in: (1) individual children’s teacher-rated behavior problems and prosocial skills; (2) classroom climate (classroom interactions and two measures of disruptive behavior); and (3) teacher interaction skills. Year 1 outcomes were modest and were accounted for by baseline differences. In Year 2, classroom climate, measured by independent observers, differed significantly in intervention classrooms, largely because of declines in control classrooms, and there was some evidence for better teacher interaction skills in intervention classrooms. The pattern of effects suggests important impacts on classroom quality worth investigating in a larger study. Both fidelity and implementation rates, as well as positive teacher responses to the curriculum, indicate potential for widespread adoption.
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Acknowledgments
This study was funded by an Intervention Development Grant, R34 MH073830 from the National Institute of Mental Health. We would like to thank our colleague who oversaw site operations: Lynn Hennigan, LICSW, Director of Services for the Young Child, Community Healthlink, Youth and Family Services; and staff who helped with study management and implementation, classroom observations, and data entry: Gail Sawosik, Judy Davis, Katelyn Allen, Katie Bateman, Courtney Carpenter, Rachel D’Angelo, Alicia Derry, Rachel Friendly, Jenny Hazelton, Karen Nideur, and Laura Seekamp. In addition, we owe special thanks to the staff and families of Worcester Comprehensive Child Care Services, Great Brook Valley; the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, Salem Square; Rainbow Child Development Center; and the YMCA Child Care Center, Worcester Commons.
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Upshur, C., Wenz-Gross, M. & Reed, G. A Pilot Study of a Primary Prevention Curriculum to Address Preschool Behavior Problems. J Primary Prevent 34, 309–327 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0316-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0316-1