| Title: |
An Evaluation of Parents as First Teachers Programme. Report. |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Farquhar, Sarah-Eve; Early Childhood Development Unit, Wellington (New Zealand). |
| Availability: |
PAFT National Center, Early Childhood Development Unit, Nga Kaitaunaki Kohungahunga, P.O. Box 9951, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand. Tel: 04-381-9800; Fax: 04-381-9801; Web site: http://www.ecdu.govt.nz/paft. For full text: http://www.ecdu.govt.nz/parenting/EvaluationPAFT.pdf. |
| Peer Reviewed: |
N |
| Page Count: |
53 |
| Publication Date: |
2002 |
| Document Type: |
Reports - Evaluative |
| Descriptors: |
Foreign Countries; Home Visits; Parent Education; Parenting Skills; Parents; Parents as Teachers; Program Descriptions; Program Effectiveness; Program Evaluation |
| Geographic Terms: |
New Zealand |
| Abstract: |
This document is the first report on an evaluation of the Parents as First Teachers Programme (PAFT) in New Zealand, an established parent education and support service for parents of children birth to age three. This preliminary report details the findings of an analysis of a family exit survey completed by 400 families participating in PAFT. Preliminary evidence from the survey of families exiting the program indicates that the success of PAFT for families lies in the following key aspects: (1) the parent educator must have rapport with the family; (2) the program was home-based, which parents preferred; (3) the curricula used, providing current information and encouraging parents with knowledge to be their child's first educator; (4) the strengths-based philosophy; (5) the holistic approach, working with parents/caregivers, children, and other family members; (6) support of family and cultural diversity in beliefs, values, and practices; and (7) providing links with the community through information and referrals to various services. Survey evidence points to a strong demand for PAFT by families and very high satisfaction with the service. Parents were concerned about funding cutbacks and the current limiting of access of families with children not considered to be at-risk. The overall conclusion of the report is that participation in PAFT benefits families, including strengthening parenting skills, encouraging parents to take greater responsibility for their child's education, and accessing community, health, and early childhood education services. The exit survey is appended. (Contains 39 references.) (KB) |
| Entry Date: |
2003 |
| Accession Number: |
ED466296 |
| Database: |
ERIC |