A teacher-consultation approach to social skills training for pre-kindergarten children: treatment model and short-term outcome effects

J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2005 Dec;33(6):681-93. doi: 10.1007/s10802-005-7647-1.

Abstract

This study evaluated the post-treatment outcome effects of a classroom-based social skills program for pre-kindergarten children, using a teacher-consultation model. The pre-K RECAP (Reaching Educators, Children, and Parents) program is a semi-structured, cognitive-behavioral skills training program that provides teachers with in-classroom consultation on program implementation and classroom-wide behavior management. Data on children's social skills and behavior problems were collected from parents and teachers at pre- and post-treatment, for 149 children aged 4-5 years (of whom 56% were girls). Significant treatment effects were found for teacher but not parent reports, with treatment group children improving significantly more than comparison group children in their teacher-rated social skills and internalizing and externalizing problems. These results provide some preliminary support for the efficacy of the program on children's social skills and behavior problems, and for a teacher-consultation model for training teachers to implement school-based mental health programs.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Early Intervention, Educational / methods*
  • Faculty*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Poverty / psychology
  • Program Evaluation / methods
  • Referral and Consultation*
  • School Health Services*
  • Social Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Socialization*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome