Location

LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans

Event Website

https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/admin/sahpresearchday.aspx

Document Type

Event

Start Date

8-4-2024 3:00 PM

End Date

8-4-2024 5:00 PM

Description

Introduction: Ongoing and engaged developmental monitoring by Early HeadStart educators is instrumental in providing young children with the support and resources they need to thrive and reach their full potential. There may be gaps in knowledge, skills, and resources among early childhood educators that hinder effective implementation of educator-engaged developmental monitoring.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine the level of engagement of Early HeadStart coordinators in relation to developmental monitoring. This is the first step of an action-oriented needs assessment that will inform the development of an individualized, actionable plan to enhance developmental monitoring practices by early childhood educators and families whose children attend these programs.

Methods: A participatory action methodology was utilized to guide this project. Structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of stakeholders including directors and/or coordinators of eight Early HeadStart programs in Orleans Parish. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis as described by Braun & Clarke (2006).

Results: Several themes related to stakeholder engagement in developmental monitoring emerged, including barriers, strengths, preferences, and existing developmental monitoring practices.

Discussion: Understanding the specific needs, challenges, and preferences of early childhood educators and families in Southeast Louisiana’s Early HeadStart programs regarding engagement in developmental monitoring is important for designing tailored interventions and providing appropriate support. University-community partnerships foster collaborative initiatives that integrate academic expertise, community resources, and tailored interventions.

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Apr 8th, 3:00 PM Apr 8th, 5:00 PM

Building Strong Foundations: Stakeholder Engagement as a First Step in Assessing the Needs of Southeast Louisiana's Early HeadStart Program Coordinators

LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans

Introduction: Ongoing and engaged developmental monitoring by Early HeadStart educators is instrumental in providing young children with the support and resources they need to thrive and reach their full potential. There may be gaps in knowledge, skills, and resources among early childhood educators that hinder effective implementation of educator-engaged developmental monitoring.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine the level of engagement of Early HeadStart coordinators in relation to developmental monitoring. This is the first step of an action-oriented needs assessment that will inform the development of an individualized, actionable plan to enhance developmental monitoring practices by early childhood educators and families whose children attend these programs.

Methods: A participatory action methodology was utilized to guide this project. Structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of stakeholders including directors and/or coordinators of eight Early HeadStart programs in Orleans Parish. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis as described by Braun & Clarke (2006).

Results: Several themes related to stakeholder engagement in developmental monitoring emerged, including barriers, strengths, preferences, and existing developmental monitoring practices.

Discussion: Understanding the specific needs, challenges, and preferences of early childhood educators and families in Southeast Louisiana’s Early HeadStart programs regarding engagement in developmental monitoring is important for designing tailored interventions and providing appropriate support. University-community partnerships foster collaborative initiatives that integrate academic expertise, community resources, and tailored interventions.

https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/48