Helping Young Children in Kindergarten Stay Mentally Healthy Using a Dialogue Based Early Detection Method A Randomized Study Comparing New and Traditional Parent-Teacher Meetings

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a novel Dialogue Based Early Detection DBED method to see if it can prevent mental health problems in children attending kindergarten. The study aims to learn if DBED can better identify children with mental health issues compared to traditional screening and if it encourages early support and is well accepted in regular kindergarten settings. Outcomes will compare children in kindergartens using DBED with those using traditional parent-teacher meetings. Participants are divided into two groups one where parents and teachers use the DBED method during biannual parent-teacher meetings, involving a questionnaire about the childs development and a discussion to agree on concerns and possible interventions. The other group participates in traditional parent-teacher meetings led mainly by the teachers observations. These interventions occur over the last three years of kindergarten attendance. During the study, parents will complete questionnaires twice a year about their childs mental health and parental stress for three years in kindergarten and two years after starting school. Parents in the DBED group will also complete satisfaction surveys after each meeting. Kindergarten teachers will report on any supportive interventions for each child. The main outcome measured is the childs difficulties score from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, collected every six months during kindergarten and follow-up in school.

Promoting Mental Health in Young Children - a Dialogue Based Approach in Kindergartens