Stimulation in Early Childhood
Within the framework of technical cooperation with the IDB, this line of research consists of developing an intervention program aimed at improving parenting practices that promote the development of language and cognition in early childhood within the restrictions imposed by the pandemic situation. . The implementation of the pilot study is scheduled for 2021. The study includes two active branches that compare the training program in cognitive and socio-affective stimulation for mothers and fathers (10 videos + manual, branch 1) versus the same program enhanced with training tools. behavioral insights to promote the application of stimulation activities by mothers and fathers (branch 2).
In both branches, the program monitors will be trained in the use of the videos and the manual. Additionally, the monitors of branch 2 will receive training in the use of behavioral tools (behavioral tool-kit), which will include: a) establishment of goals and commitments; b) messages of three kinds (reminders, additional examples of activities in graphic format, and positive reinforcement). The contents of the messages will seek to expand the repertoire of activities provided in the initial training and for this, additional didactic materials will be designed following the style of the videos in graphic pieces disseminable by digital means (WApp or SMS).
Families will be assessed before and after the program through: 1) a short developmental scale (EAD-3); 2) questionnaire to parents of perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of parenting practices. The evaluations must be face-to-face and for this reason the shorter evaluation alternatives have been selected.
The activities of the stimulation program are planned to be implemented in the Child Development Centers (CEDIs) of the province of San Juan and Primary Care Centers (CAPs) of Lobería if the sanitary conditions allow it, following the modality of the original study ( Walker et al., 2015). Otherwise, home visit options limited in time and number or even entirely digital options will be evaluated.
It is expected to recruit a minimum of 100 families for each branch. The talks to implement the study in the province of San Juan and in the district of Lobería, province of Buenos Aires, are advanced.