Learning through interactions: a pilot study of family interventions for at-risk children

ABSTRACT

Although many young children face risk factors for academic failure, most research about family interventions do not focus on at-risk children. For example, although Parents Interacting with Infants Model (i.e. PIWI) and Baby TALK programmes are widely used family interventions, no empirical research has been conducted about PIWI or Baby TALK among at-risk children. To this end, the purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of two family interventions (i.e. Baby TALK and PIWI) among 38 at-risk families of young children, as well as to identify barriers to implementation. Significant increases in parent knowledge about child development were evident among participants in both the intervention groups. Barriers to implementation included lack of transportation and homelessness. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Parent–child interactions
• family interventions
• at-risk families

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Misty Dawn Krippel is a University of Illinois graduate student and received her master’s degree as of May 2018. Her master’s degree is in early childhood special education, with a focus on birth to three services. Misty’s research examines at-risk families within family intervention systems.

Meghan Burke is an associate professor of special education. Her research interests include parent advocacy, families (i.e., parents and siblings) of individuals with significant disabilities, and disability policy. Meghan's research examines how parents advocate for services for their offspring with disabilities. Additionally, Meghan conducts research examining how siblings of individuals with disabilities transition to caregiving roles.

Kristina Rios is a doctoral student in special education. Her research focuses on Latino families of children with disabilities; specifically, she explores how Latino families advocate on behalf of their offspring with disabilities.