The Healthy Child Development Program Study

Targeting Behavioral Adjustment and Healthy Lifestyle in Preschool-age Children Using an Integrated Family-Based Intervention

This study conducts a preliminary test of an intervention program delivered in the home to assist families of preschool-age children with social, emotional, and behavioral development, and the acquisition of healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Utilizing referrals from community-based organizations serving high-risk families, this study addresses both health and behavioral domains through a family-based intervention. The home-delivered prevention intervention includes content on strengthening positive behaviors in children, managing misbehavior, and addressing healthy lifestyle choices. Families engage in practical skill building and have the opportunity to practice these skills and receive feedback.

Inclusion Criteria:

• parent has primary custody of the child
• one or more children in the home is in the 3 to 4 year old age range
• English-speaking parent
• parent stated an interest to participate in the program
• parent completes informed consent process
• family experiencing economic disadvantage
• parenting challenges due to child behavior

Exclusion Criteria:

• an open Child Protective Services maltreatment case on the family
• parent receiving inpatient treatment or enrolled in an institutional-residential treatment program