[Having the best intentions is necessary but not sufficient--quality dimensions for early childhood interventions]

Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr. 2012;61(10):723-37. doi: 10.13109/prkk.2012.61.10.723.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Early childhood interventions are a promising strategy to improve the development of children in socially disadvantaged families and to reduce their risk for abuse and neglect. However, proven effects are small with substantial variations between existing programs depending on differences in program planning and implementation. On the basis of international findings on the effectiveness of early childhood intervention, health promotion, and implementation research, we provide an overview of different quality aspects in the development, implementation, and evaluation of early childhood interventions, and a framework for future quality assessment of early childhood intervention programs in Germany. Scaling up of these programs should be accompanied by intensive quality assessment and development in order to achieve the intended outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / prevention & control*
  • Child Abuse / trends
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Early Intervention, Educational / trends*
  • Education / trends
  • Forecasting
  • Germany
  • Health Plan Implementation / trends
  • Health Planning / trends
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intention*
  • Interprofessional Relations
  • Patient Care Team / trends
  • Psychosocial Deprivation*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / trends*
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support