Family experiences with Stay and play : an early child development program

In this qualitative study, the experiences of families who attended an early child development program Stay and Play were explored. Stay and Play is an early child development program that promotes healthy parent and child relationships. Belsky's (1984) process model - determinants of parenting and attachment theory served as the theoretical framework for this study. Twenty-three parents participated and thirty-two children were in attendance - with only four children able to articulate their responses. Person centered interviewing was conducted with thirteen [one-parent] families, and family centered interviews occurred with five [two-parent families] Utilizing thematic analysis, three themes were established: The functional role of Stay and Play; the structural role of Stay and Play, and parent's experiences with Stay and Play. Parents reported positive experiences with Stay and Play and in particular attended sessions to: Enhance parenting skills; bond with their children; and develop peer relationships.

Authors

• Spry-Hartley, Margie
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences

• Parent and child
• Child development
• Early childhood education -- Parent participation
• Parenting
• Dissertations, Academic

Identifier

hdl:10133/3449

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/3449