Early Home Learning Study: Overview and outcomes. Final Report to the Victorian Government Department of Education and Early Child Development
Year: 2013
Type: report
Abstract: This report presents findings from the Early Home Learning Study (EHLS), a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) conducted by the Parenting Research Centre (PRC) between 2009 and 2012. The study was commissioned by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) in recognition that children from families experiencing high levels of disadvantage are vulnerable to poorer developmental outcomes in the early years of life, particularly in relation to language and communication skills. To improve support for these children, the PRC was engaged to design, implement and evaluate a program to enhance children’s early learning at home, with an emphasis on parenting and children’s language and communication skills. The EHLS had three broad goals: 1. To improve the early learning and development foundations of babies (6 to 12 months) and toddlers (12 to 36 months) in vulnerable circumstances in up to 2,000 families. 2. To build the capacity of the existing Victorian service system to support parents in creating positive home learning experiences for their children. 3. In the Victorian context, to develop scientific knowledge of how best to support parents to create enriched home learning environments in the early years. The ‘smalltalk’ programs were community-based programs designed for parents experiencing vulnerable circumstances with children aged 6 months to 3 years. To ensure acceptability and accessibility, and for ease of implementation, smalltalk was developed for two existing service platforms: - a six-week parenting group program delivered in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) platform for parents of children aged 6 to 12 months, and - a ten-week playgroup and parenting program delivered through the supported playgroup (SPG) platform for parents of children aged 12 to 36 months. Two models of intervention intensity were trialled in each platform: the parent group or supported playgroup alone (‘smalltalk’) or the parent group/supported playgroup supplemented by an additional six home-based, individual coaching sessions (‘smalltalk plus’).
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2624106911