Straumsjoen

Researchers are investigating if the Dialogue Based Early Detection (DBED) method can help prevent mental health problems in children attending kindergarten. The study compares kindergartens using DBED with those using traditional parent-teacher meetings to see if DBED leads to better mental health outcomes, identifies children with mental health issues more effectively, encourages early interventions, and is accepted and sustainable in everyday kindergarten settings. In kindergartens using DBED, before each biannual parent-teacher meeting, both teachers and parents fill out a questionnaire about concerns related to the child's development and well-being. During the meeting, they discuss these concerns and agree on evaluations or decide on supportive actions or further assessments if needed. In comparison, control kindergartens hold traditional parent-teacher meetings where teachers primarily report on the child's behavior and development from their perspective. Parents in both groups complete questionnaires twice a year about their child's mental health and parental stress during the child's last three years in kindergarten and the first two years of school. Parents in the DBED group also complete satisfaction surveys after each meeting. Participants are involved over a follow-up period covering the last three years of kindergarten and the first two years of school. Kindergarten teachers report any supportive interventions provided to each child during this time. The main outcome measured is the child's mental health using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, completed twice yearly by both parents and teachers. Researchers will assess mental health scores, the effectiveness of DBED in identifying children with difficulties, the activation of interventions, and user satisfaction with the DBED approach.