PRESCHOOL FIRST STEP TO SUCCESS: AN EFFICACY REPLICATION STUDY

The purpose of this project was to replicate, via a randomized controlled trial, the efficacy of the preschool adaptation of the First Step to Success intervention for improving child behavior and social skills outcomes, as well as the overall school readiness, of preschool children who are at high risk for the development of oppositional and conduct disorders. In Years 1–3 of the study, 50 early childhood program centers across two sites serving low-income families were recruited into three cohorts. Early childhood program centers were randomly assigned to Preschool First Step (PFS) or control conditions. A total of 160 low-income children, their families, and their teachers participated. In the fall of each year, teachers identified students in participating classrooms who exhibited serious externalizing behaviors. Baseline data collection was completed prior to randomization and outcome assessments were conducted at (1) post-intervention, (2) approximately 2 months after completion of the intervention, and (3) a year later.<br>