Would you like to be involved in a research programme that focuses on setting your child up for success in primary school? Then this might be of interest to you.
Helena Lee, a student on the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis at NUI Galway, is writing her thesis and is inviting parents and their and children (aged 3-6 years) to take part in a research programme that will be delivered online via Skype.
During their early years, children change and learn faster than any other stage in their lives. For this reason, the preschool stage is an important time for the acquisition of new skills, in which parents and caregivers play a critical role. The Preschool Life Skills programme was developed by Professor Gregory Hanley in order to prepare children at this stage for primary school, to set them up for success, and prevent the development of challenging behaviour.
The team want to examine whether they can support parents via Skype, to implement the preschool life skills programme at home, and what benefits this will have for the child.
Participation will involve one parent attending weekly coaching sessions online for 4-6 weeks. The parent will be asked to introduce the new skills to their child and practice them together at home. These are everyday life skills, so there are multiple opportunities to practice them across your everyday routine! The parent will also be asked to record two short videos of an interaction with their child per week and send these to the researcher.
Due to the nature of the study, in order to participate you need to have access to Internet. You will also need a computer, ipad, phone, or any device with a webcam for Skype sessions, and any device on which you can record videos.
If you feel you might be interested, or have any questions, please feel free to contact the co-ordinator by email to h.lee5@nuigalway.ie.
