Bridging the Gap: Feasibility, Appropriateness, and Acceptability of an Integrated Attachment-Based Training for Teachers and Parents in Early Head Start

Authors

  • Carla Caringi Barron Wayne State University
  • Claire Vallotton Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
  • Ann Stacks Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, 87 E. Ferry, Detroit MI 48202 USA
  • Olivia Oates Department of Psychiatry, Zero To Thrive, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
  • Anike Adekoya Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
  • Maria Muzik Department of Psychiatry, Zero To Thrive, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
  • Katherine Rosenblum Department of Psychiatry, Zero To Thrive, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
  • Holly Brophy-Herb Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824 USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55370/hsdialog.v26i2.1355

Keywords:

Early Childhood Education, Early Head Start, Infants, Parent-Teacher Relationships, Parent Engagement, Qualitative Study, Reflective Learning

Abstract

Early care and education (ECE) programs often struggle to consistently engage parents in programming that supports caregiving at home. As part of an Early Head Start (EHS) University Partnership, we adapted an attachment-based, reflective training program centered on supporting teachers to share information with parents; and investigated its appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility in the context of EHS. Qualitative data from university-based facilitators (n = 8), infant/toddler teachers (n = 20), and parents (n =13), suggest that a small group format and a facilitator stance of openness, curiosity, and cultural humility promoted teachers’ and parents’ positive perspectives of HMB concepts. Participants in this study helped us to understand challenges to HMB’s feasibility, including logistical challenges that need to be considered for successful implementation in other EHS sites. This study tapped the perspectives of stakeholders and provides insights that will support the implementation of ongoing, reflective training models across the ECE system.

Downloads

Published

2023-08-17

Issue

Section

Research Articles