2-157 - Project LAUNCH: Evaluation of Community Progress to Improve Child Outcomes

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Children facing early adversity are at increased risk for poor developmental outcomes and long-term health consequences (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2009). The negative outcomes associated with early adversity not only impact quality of life for children and families, but exact a large burden on society (Institute of Medicine, 2009). Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health), a federal grant program, is designed to support the development of a more coordinated, comprehensive child and family mental health system to address risks to children and families. The program’s primary objective is to increase school readiness through promoting the social, emotional, physical and cognitive health of young children from birth to age 8. To achieve this objective, Project LAUNCH grantees use a variety of research-based prevention and promotion strategies and system change initiatives. Some work directly with families, while others aim to increase provider capacity or strengthen the early childhood system as a whole. This session will present a selection of the strategies, evaluation approaches, and outcomes from three LAUNCH grantees. The first paper will focus on children’s language, social skills, and problem behaviors; the second will highlight work on building early care and education provider capacity to support the social-emotional well-being of children; and the third will address health education and substance abuse prevention programming for preschool children. The discussant will comment on the papers and the challenges of evaluating community level initiatives like LAUNCH. Time will be reserved for audience questions and discussion.

Sub Unit

• Health, Growth, Injury

Chair

• Julie Leis, Administration for Children & Families, US Dept. Health & Human Services

Discussant

• Laura Hoard, OPRE, DHHS

Individual Presentations

• Engaging in a Good Way: Collective Impact of Preventive Interventions on Pre-School Children’s Development in a Tribal Community - Presenting Author: Dawn Nixon, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; Catherine C. Ayoub, Harvard University; Elisa Vele-Tabaddor, Children's Hospital Boston; Adam Von Ende, Brazelton Touchpoints Center, Boston Children's Hospital; Rob Goslin, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

• The Effect of Teacher Training and Coaching in the CSEFEL Teaching Pyramid Model on Teacher Practices - Presenting Author: Tamesha Harewood, Michigan State University; Claire D Vallotton, Michigan State University; Miles McNall, Michigan State University

• Evaluating Promising Starts Early Childhood Systems Development: Process and Outcomes - Presenting Author: Jeana Bracey, Univ of Connecticut; Mhora Lorentson, Lorentson Consulting, LLC; Melissa Mendez, Wheeler Clinic