Implementing a Playful Parenting Program in Guatemala: Attributes of the Program and Resource Team

• In Event: Global Parenting Interventions: Advances in Measurement and Scale Up

Abstract

Study Objective: To generate insights into the implementation and scaling of the ChildFund playful parenting intervention in Guatemala.

Background: Although many countries have signed on to implement the Nurturing Care Framework, few have information available on how to implement a parenting program in their country. Many different programs exist and evidence is lacking on programmatic features that facilitate or hinder bringing the program to scale. Consequently, research is needed to identify features of the program, such as home or group sessions and intensity, that influence bringing the program to scale. Research is also needed to identify attributes of the resource team, in this case ChildFund and its local partners. Data collected on the ChildFund International playful parenting program, Juega Conmigo provides preliminary insights into elements of a parenting program as it relates to these features, specifically in relation to scale. "Scale" in this case means both horizontal scaling across the country, and vertical scaling to the Education Ministry in order to sustain the program.  

Methods: We conducted intake interviews with program managers of ChildFund's playful parenting program. Our semi-structured interview included questions to address two issues: What are the critical features of ChildFund's program that facilitate and hinder bringing it to scale, including features such as the content and delivery format for engaging parents about responsive and stimulating play? How have these features performed in their implementation to date? We conducted a content analysis of transcribed interviews with the intention of categorizing answers into seven features of the ExpandNet scale-up model (WHO, 2010).

Results: The program has been implemented so far in 4 departments, with the intention of expanding to 6 departments and 900 communities in the Western Highlands populated mainly by indigenous families. Results are organized by ExpandNet features of a program that facilitate scale up:

Credible, in that it is based on sound evidence. There is pilot evidence of small-moderate effects, that are stronger with groups than home visits.

Observable, in that users see results. Mothers have noticed positive benefits for their children and communicated this to other families. Advocacy is needed to increase demand in other municipalities.

Relevant for addressing problems. Strong evidence for problems in parenting practices and child development that the program aims to address.

Relative advantage over existing government program of the Ministry of Education. The ChildFund group model is expected to show lower cost and attrition than the home-visiting model and so may be adopted by the government.

Easy to install and understand. Play and talk with children are not common. The 36-session intensity will be difficult to sustain; culture and language differ across regions of Guatemala.

Compatible with the government's desire to implement parenting but not necessarily with parent values. A volunteer workforce reduces costs.

Testable. The government is eager to test outputs and outcomes during implementation.

Discussion: These attributes of the program and past experiences of the resource team are promising signs for future scale up. Plans for addressing limitations will determine whether they remain risks or enablers.

Group Authors

"As per Anne Perdue please consider these flash talks as one session. They should either be accepted or rejected as a whole.

Flash talks should be ordered as follows: 1707093, 1705221, 1705962, 1707008, 1705220, 1705994, 1706107, 1706048"

Author

• Sayra Mallari Cardona Moran, FHI 360
  Presenting Author