Improving Social and Emotional Skills in Preschoolers Through a School-Based Therapeutic Play Program A Study to Find the Best Combination of Play Activities for Preschool Children with School Adjustment Challenges

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a school-based therapeutic play intervention designed to improve social and emotional skills in preschool children with mild to moderate difficulties adjusting to school. This trial aims to understand how three different components of the interventionindividual play sessions, peer play sessions, and classroom push-in sessionsindependently and together affect childrens social and emotional competence. The study uses a factorial experimental design to optimize this intervention for preschool settings, focusing on feasibility and effectiveness. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive varied combinations of the three intervention components, including individual play sessions lasting 8 or 12 weeks, peer play pairs involving six biweekly sessions, and classroom push-in sessions with four biweekly visits. Individual play sessions are conducted twice weekly in a playroom using child-centered play therapy principles. Peer play sessions pair children with socially competent peers to practice cooperation and communication skills, while classroom push-ins support engagement and positive peer interactions within regular classroom activities. During the study, teachers and caregivers will complete assessments rating childrens social and emotional adjustment before and after the intervention. Outcomes such as social-emotional adjustment, school connectedness, school anxiety, and emotion regulation will be measured using standardized tools. The study aims to identify which intervention combinations best support childrens development and to create an optimized program for wider use. Participation includes regular play sessions at school over several weeks and completing assessment forms within specified timeframes.

Optimizing a School-Based Therapeutic Play Intervention for Preschool Students