Project ABC

Best practices for early childhood interventions typically include a combination of system-of-care integration and evidence-based practices for children and families. Initiatives that embrace a core set of principles rather than a structured one-size-fits-all approach have demonstrated the greatest success. The interventions chosen for this project are based on an ecological and empowerment approach that incorporates aspects of developmental theory, psychosocial theory, systems theory, cognitive theory, and attachment theory.

Project ABC Key Service Activities

The Incredible Years is an evidenced-based parent training program designed to enhance parent-child interactions, and help parents effectively motivate children, set limits and handle misbehavior (Webster-Stratton, 2004). The goals are to decrease child negative behaviors and noncompliance and to increase social skills, understanding of feelings, conflict management skills and school readiness.

Interaction Guidance has been demonstrated worldwide, for almost 20 years, to promote positive interactions between caregivers and very young children with a wide range of challenges from "regulatory" to autistic spectrum disorders (Erickson, 2004; McDonough, 2000, 2004). Using videotaped play interactions, clinicians highlight successful relational moments to help caregivers read child cues, build two-way communication, and support social-emotional development. Caregiver and clinician then work to build on existing strengths.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is very effective in enhancing parent-child relationships, reducing children's severe behavioral problems, and increasing positive parenting skills (Hembree-Kigin & McNeil, 1995) for families with children 3-5 years of age. Designed specifically for clinicians who work with high-risk families and foster parents, PCIT helps caregivers learn specific techniques as well as have the opportunity to practice these skills during therapy through the use of a one-way mirror, microphone and earpiece for the parent/caregiver. During treatment planning with participating families, the PCIT intervention is explained and offered to all families with an identified need.

Home visitation is a key intervention strategy designed to enhance the child's developmental outcomes, prevent child abuse and neglect, and facilitate the caregivers' navigation through the systems of care. Regular home visits by staff who, whenever possible, match the culture and language of participating families provide benefits including ongoing assessment of the family and the child's environment, crisis management, parenting education, caregiver support, and in home therapy for families who cannot access clinic therapy.

Psycho-social-educational groups for caregivers focus on parenting skills, domestic violence prevention, and substance abuse treatment. These center-based groups not only provide valuable intervention services, but also gives caregivers an opportunity to meet and share successes and challenges with other parents in similar circumstances.

Cultural and Gender Differences in the Assessment Process. The assessment process is designed to carefully consider the impact of individual and cultural variables such as age, language, and cultural background of the child and family. For example, non-English-speaking children and families are provided with assessment measures in their native language; when such measures are not available for particular languages, alternative methods of evaluating functioning using naturalistic observations will be used. Gender differences in caregiver expectations of boys and girls are considered in developing culturally sensitive recommendations.

For More Information on Early Childhood Mental Resources Visit Project ABCs Resources Section.