An Evaluation of Partnerships for Early Childhood Mental Health

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) has been linked to increased teacher competence and efficacy, as well as increased social skills and decreased challenging behaviors for participating children (Green, 2009). Partnerships for Early Childhood Mental Health (Partnerships) is an ECMHC program in Southeastern Ohio. This study evaluated how well the program is addressing the objectives identified on the "Partnerships" Theory of Change Model. The researcher used a mixed methods approach to analyze existing program data within the framework of Stufflebeam's (2000b) CIPP program evaluation model. Results indicate the program: (1) has addressed many of the identified needs of the preschool population it was designed to serve; (2) is more expensive on many measures than the average costs of other ECMHC models; (3) has a well-articulated design that is being reliably implemented by staff; and (4) has high satisfaction from participating teachers who report positive benefits for themselves and their children. The study contributes to the field of ECMHC by reinforcing current ECMHC literature. Because of its well-articulated processes, the Partnerships program may serve as an exemplar for programs in similar contexts, particularly those located in rural Appalachian settings. Finally, this study demonstrates methodology that other ECMH directors can use to conduct substantive evaluations of their own programs.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Counselor Education (Education)

Grantor dc:publisher

Ohio University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Shamblin, Sherry R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Davis, Thomas
• Hitchcock, John

• Mental Health
• School Counseling
• Counseling Education
• Preschool Education
• Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
• Program Evaluation

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1365093576

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ohiou1365093576