Community Intervention for Child Development
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to assist young children and their families in Philadelphia who face challenges due to limited access to resources. It tests a community-led program called ParentChild+, which focuses on early learning by providing families with weekly home visits and a book or toy. A comparison group, FamilyNutrition+, offers nutrition support and grocery vouchers. The study seeks to determine if these programs improve parents' mental health and children's development. Eligible families speak English or Spanish and qualify for free or reduced-price lunch or other assistance programs. As an unphased trial, this study allows families to contribute to valuable research that could enhance community support programs.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on community support and child development rather than medical treatments, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.
What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for children and families?
Research has shown that the ParentChild+ program has been implemented in various locations to enhance early reading skills and school readiness. While specific safety data akin to medical treatments is not available, the program involves home visits where families receive books, toys, and learning tips. This educational support is generally considered safe, as it does not involve medical procedures or drugs.
The FamilyNutrition+ program provides families with advice on healthy eating and a grocery voucher. Since it does not involve medical treatments or medications, it is considered low-risk. Both programs aim to improve the environment for young children rather than directly impacting their physical health. Consequently, these programs are expected to be safe and pose minimal risk to participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Community Intervention for Child Development trial because it explores innovative approaches to support early childhood development. Unlike traditional methods that often focus solely on educational settings, the ParentChild+ intervention takes learning into the home environment. This approach involves two 30-minute home visits per week, where both parents and children engage in activities designed to enhance learning, using new books or toys each week. It's a more personalized and hands-on method, aiming to involve the family actively in the child's developmental journey. Additionally, the FamilyNutrition+ arm provides a holistic approach by promoting healthy nutrition and offering grocery support, which is unique compared to typical educational interventions.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for child development?
Research has shown that the ParentChild+ program, an intervention in this trial, positively affects a child's growth and parental care. Studies have found that this program helps children prepare for school, improves language skills, and supports overall health. It also promotes better parenting, benefiting both mothers' health and children's development. Evaluations have ranked ParentChild+ among the most effective early intervention programs, highlighting its potential to significantly improve children's early education. However, some findings suggest that results can vary, particularly in communication and motor skills. Overall, the program enhances early learning and provides valuable resources for families. Meanwhile, the FamilyNutrition+ program, another component of this trial, focuses on promoting healthy nutrition and providing grocery support, offering a different approach to supporting family well-being.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Allyson P Mackey, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English- and Spanish-speaking families with children aged 18-36 months, aiming to support child development in communities facing structural inequities. It's not specified who can't join, so it seems open to those meeting the age and language criteria.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Families participate in the ParentChild+ or FamilyNutrition+ program, receiving 92 contacts over 46 weeks.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in parental mental health, parenting behaviors, and child outcomes.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- FamilyNutrition+
- ParentChild+
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor