School-Based Treatment for Early Childhood Anxiety

A Pilot Study of a School-Based Treatment for Early Childhood Anxiety

This pilot will be used for academic research, in hopes of developing effective treatments for early childhood anxiety. The intervention is an adaptation of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT is an evidence-based intervention, rooted in attachment and social learning theory. In recent years, researchers have successfully adapted PCIT to address anxiety in a clinical setting (PCIT-CALM). In this pilot study, we will be applying the PCIT-CALM intervention in the school setting, emphasizing teachers as a therapeutic agent of change.

PCIT is unique because the child's caregiver is trained on how to use therapeutic techniques, and then receives live coaching via a "bug in the ear" as they learn to implement the new skills. In this pilot study, both parents and teachers will be taught skills to create a therapeutic relationship and address anxiety. After these teaching sessions, the child's teacher will receive coaching in the classroom to implement the skills. The intervention will last approximately 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Scores in the at-risk or clinical range for anxiety on the BASC-3 or CBCL (which will be filled out by a parent and teacher to determine eligibility)
• Child must be enrolled at the Montessori School of Denver where the intervention is being conducted.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None if other criteria are met.
• Comorbidity will not exclude a child, but if comorbidities are discovered for which there are other evidence-based treatments available, parents will be encouraged to seek additional resources.