Healthy Start Home Visiting Program—School-Based Model: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Healthy Start Home Visiting Program—School-Based Model (HSS), using a cluster randomized controlled trial design. Methods: Participants included 224 parents from 20 preschools randomized into intervention and wait-list control groups at the preschool level. Furthermore, 105 parents from the participating preschools were trained as parent ambassadors to assist in program delivery. They were randomized into intervention and control groups at the preschool level. Outcome measures included parent and teacher reports on children’s learning, parent report on children’s behavior and health, their own parenting, and direct assessment of children. Parent ambassadors completed measures on parenting and their children’s behavior before training and after program delivery. Results: There was significant improvement at postintervention in parenting, children’s behavior, and learning and health in the intervention group, compared with the control group. Conclusions: The results provided evidence on the effectiveness of the HSS program.