Recent research has underscored the importance of parental engagement in early-childhood training programs to improve nurturing care. The study titled "Parental attendance in two early-childhood training programmes to improve nurturing care: A randomized controlled trial" provides valuable insights into how parental attendance can be optimized to achieve better outcomes for children. This blog aims to help practitioners enhance their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or encouraging further exploration in this domain.
Key Findings
The study evaluated two parent-training programs: ACT: Raising Safe Kids (ACT) and Dialogic Book-sharing (DBS). The key findings are:
- Attendance rates were relatively high: 64.2% for ACT and 76.6% for DBS.
- Maternal age and distance to the intervention site were significant predictors of ACT attendance, while no significant predictors were found for DBS attendance.
- Mothers expressed high satisfaction with both programs, with many planning to continue using the skills learned.
Strategies to Improve Parental Attendance
Based on the study's findings, practitioners can adopt several strategies to improve parental attendance in training programs:
- Emphasize Benefits: Clearly communicate the potential benefits of the program for both parents and children. Use testimonials and success stories to make the case compelling.
- Facilitate Access: Organize sessions in accessible locations and offer transportation support. Scheduling flexibility can also help accommodate parents' busy lives.
- Provide Support: Offer childcare during sessions and financial assistance for transportation and snacks. These small supports can significantly impact attendance.
- Build Relationships: Foster a positive relationship between facilitators and participants. Consistent facilitators who understand the community can enhance engagement.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides a solid foundation, further research is needed to explore dynamic factors that influence attendance. Understanding the day-to-day challenges parents face can help design more effective interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this research by sharing their experiences and insights.
Conclusion
Parental engagement is crucial for the success of early-childhood training programs. By implementing the strategies outlined above, practitioners can enhance attendance and, consequently, the outcomes for children. For a deeper dive into the research, read the original research paper.
