Pilot Evaluation of Parent and Child Enhancement Program for Disadvantaged Families

Abstract

Objective: The present study was a pilot evaluation of the effectiveness of the Parent and Child Enhancement (PACE) program in enhancing child development for disadvantaged families with children aged 2 to 3. Method: Participants included 23 parent–child dyads who attended 2-hr sessions twice weekly for 20 weeks. Parents and children were assessed before and after program participation on child cognitive skills, learning motivation, behavior problems, parental stress, and social support. Where appropriate, teacher-reported measures were obtained. Results: The results indicated significant improvement in child cognitive scores, learning motivation, prosocial behavior, and a significant decrease in child behavior problems. Conclusion: The results provided limited initial but encouraging evidence for the effectiveness of the PACE program in promoting child outcomes. Implications for social work practice were discussed.