AN INQUIRY BASED APPROACH: SUPPORTING TEACHERS AND FAMILIES TO IMPROVE EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS

University Of Miami Coral Gables, Coral Gables FL

Investigators

Abstract

The overall goal of this project is to implement an inquiry-based approach to improve parent and teacher practices, which will support and improve developmental outcomes for infants and toddlers. The intervention will have two phases. Phase 1 will focus on supporting Responsive Caregiving practices (for both parents and teachers) to promote the social and emotional development of infants and toddlers. Phase 2 will focus on the Facilitation of Discovery and Exploration (again, for both parents and teachers), to promote cognitive as well as language and early literacy outcomes of infants and toddlers. A randomized control trial (RCT) will be implemented to evaluate the efficacy of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 components. The intervention approach is based on Practice-Based Coaching (P-BS), the coaching model already in use in Head Start/Early Head Start. We will enhance the current coaching model (P-BS) as well as current teaching and learning practices, by integrating an intentional focus on inquiry.