Research project detail

Early Home Learning Study

The Early Home Learning Study (EHLS) involves the development and randomised controlled trial of a program called smalltalk, a parenting intervention that aims to build the skills and confidence of parents to create a rich home learning environment for their children and, ultimately, improve their children’s learning and development. The smalltalk program consists of a set of skills and parenting strategies that is embedded in the normal rhythm of existing service platforms including Maternal and Child Health services (MCH) and Supported Playgroups.

Rationale

The aim of this study is to identify the most effective way to support parents to create an enriched home learning environment for their very young children (from birth to three years). This will be achieved through the development, implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based parenting intervention to be delivered within two existing service platforms: Supported Playgroups (for families with toddlers 12-36 months) and Maternal and Child Health centres (for families with infants 6-12 months).

The program seeks to build on existing parenting strengths and targets specific parenting skills known to promote child language and learning such as quality parent–child interactions, reading at home and a stimulating environment, in addition to strategies to promote parental self-care and parental confidence. The study will recruit 2000 Victorian families who may be experiencing difficult circumstances.

Method

The study uses a cluster randomised control trial design to measure the effectiveness of the EHLS parenting intervention against ‘usual care’ interventions. The program will be offered in two formats: a low intensity version, where the parents receive a group-based intervention, and a high intensity version, where parents receive a group program which is supplemented with home coaching sessions.

Locations within 20 Victorian local government areas will be randomised to run one of three conditions (low intensity, high intensity or a ‘usual care’ control group) and participants will attend the condition run in their area.

Parent and child outcomes will be assessed at three time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention and a follow-up five months later. At each time point, a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) will be completed, with questions assessing the parent’s mental health and wellbeing, child developmental milestones, and the home learning environment. A home visit will also be scheduled to complete observational assessments of the child’s early communication, and interaction between the parent and child.

Results

Project in progress

Research team

Parenting Research Centre

• Dr Naomi Hackworth
• Warren Cann
• Professor Jan Nicholson
• Associate Professor Jan Matthews
• Dr Misel Trajanovska
• Dr Hilary Davis
• Tammy Kendell
• Kim Campbell
• Shannon Bennetts*
• Maggie Yu*
• Tracey Phan*
• Monique Seymour*

*research assistant

Contact

Dr Naomi Hackworth
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
P: +61 3 8660 3581

Funding

Victorian Government Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Partners

This project is being conducted in partnership with 20 local government areas and three community service organisations:

Local Government Areas

• Brimbank City Council
• Cardinia Shire Council
• City of Casey
• City of Geelong and Surf Coast Shire
• City of Greater Bendigo
• City of Greater Dandenong
• City of Kingston
• City of Wodonga
• Darebin City Council
• Frankston City Council
• Greater Shepparton
• Hobsons Bay City Council
• Knox City Council
• Melton Shire Council
• Mornington Peninsula Shire
• Wyndham City Council
• Yarra Ranges Council

Community Service Organisations

• Child and Family Services (Ballarat)
• Glastonbury (Geelong and Colac)
• Good Beginnings (LaTrobe and Casey)

Ethics

Victorian Government Department of Health Human Research Ethics Committee

Reports/Publications

In preparation