Table 1 Overview of existing Head Start infrastructure, novel CHL intervention innovations introduced, and the theoretical basis for CHL intervention component development
Existing Head Start Infrastructure | Novel CHL Intervention Innovations Introduced | Theoretical Basis for CHL Intervention Component Development |
|---|---|---|
Intervention Component 1: Enhanced Nutrition Support | ||
• Mandated biannual measurement of child height and weight by Head Start staff | • Standardized procedures for height and weight measurements and nutritional counseling ° Developed a technical manual for anthropometric measurement and questionnaire administration ° Created visual aids to facilitate questionnaire administration. ° Delivered ongoing staff training. | • Empowerment Theory [30,31,32]: Offer staff opportunities for growth and improve Head Start’s capacity for communication |
• Child health screening reports sent home biannually | • Revised child health screening reports sent home to more clearly communicate the meaning of BMI, highlight potential next steps for parents, and identify Head Start staff to contact with questions | • Family Ecological Model [45, 46]: Increase parent knowledge regarding child health and parent readiness in identifying relevant support networks |
Intervention Component 2: Media Campaign | ||
• Healthy habits brochures and flyers created within programs by Head Start nutritionists; inconsistently delivered and non-standardized | • Redesigned and distributed brochures and flyers for all participating Head Start programs based on themes identified as important by the Community Advisory Board. • Shared community-specific information and resources through online platforms • Created a novel online neighborhood resource map, made publicly available and free to use | • Empowerment Theory [30,31,32]: Provide parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and utilize local resources • Family Ecological Model [45, 46]: Enhance existing communication strategies and collaboratively develop new educational materials for distribution |
Intervention Component 3: Opt-In Parenting Program (PConnect) | ||
• Preexisting programs for parent to engage, learn, and self-reflect (e.g., “Parenting Journey”) | • Developed and implemented a new health- and empowerment-focused program, as a complement to preexisting Head Start parenting programs • 10 two-hour sessions co-led by a Head Start staff member and parent • Online supplements distributed via Facebook | • Empowerment Theory [30,31,32]: Enhance parent knowledge, self-efficacy, and skills • Family Ecological Model [45, 46]: Address multi-level determinants of child and parent health outcomes |