Improving parenting skills and school outcomes for PreK children

Strengthening Parenting, Young Children's Social-Behavioral Competence, and Kindergarten Readiness in Schools Serving Low-Income Communities

NA · Johns Hopkins University · NCT06197997

This study is testing a parenting program to see if it can help parents improve their skills and get their 4-year-old kids ready for kindergarten in public prekindergarten programs.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment840 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University (other)
Locations2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06197997 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests the effectiveness of the Chicago Parent Program, an evidence-based parenting intervention, aimed at enhancing parenting skills and school readiness among 4-year-old children in public prekindergarten programs in Maryland. The intervention will be implemented in 30 Title 1 schools, where parents will participate in group sessions either virtually or in-person. The study will evaluate outcomes related to children's social-emotional competence, parent engagement, and overall kindergarten readiness over a two-year period. Schools will be randomized to either receive the intervention or continue with usual practices, with assessments conducted at multiple time points.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include parents or guardians of 4-5 year old children enrolled in participating Title 1 public prekindergarten programs in Maryland.

Not a fit: Parents of children not enrolled in the specified prekindergarten programs or those who do not meet the eligibility criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve parenting practices and enhance children's readiness for school.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar parenting interventions, indicating potential for positive outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Public school or Community School in Baltimore City, Cecil County, or Harford County serving at least 40% of students meeting eligibility for low-income or located in a community designated as high need by the Maryland State Department of Education based on a score of 0.6 on the Center for Disease Control Social Vulnerability Index:

* has at least 1 full-day public PreK classroom with 20+ students;
* school has not offered CPP in the prior 3 years;
* principal consents to being randomized and participate for 2 years;
* principal consents to study team recruiting parents, teachers, and staff to participate in the study.

PreK Parents:

* Parent (biological, step, adoptive, foster), grandparent, or legal guardian of 4-5 year old student enrolled in participating PreK program;
* 18+ yrs;
* speaks English or Spanish;
* consents to allowing access child's school identification.

Teachers:

* PreK or K teacher in classroom of student of participating parent;
* consents to completing study surveys.

CPP Group Leaders:

* completes CPP group leader training
* agrees to lead CPP groups
* speaks English or Spanish
* at least a High School diploma/General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
* consents to completing surveys and submitting audio recorded CPP sessions for fidelity assessment

School-based personnel inclusion criteria:

* Principal, teacher, or other school-based staff involved in CPP implementation
* consents to interview on perspectives about CPP in the school

Exclusion Criteria:

* Principal cannot commit staff to offering CPP groups
* school previously offered CPP in prior 3 years
* school located in a geographic area with less than 80% connectivity
* PreK Parents previously participated in CPP
* Teachers: teacher also a participating parent or CPP group leader
* School-based personnel: Principal, teacher, or other school-based staff is a study parent

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Parenting, Parenting Intervention, Chicago Parent Program, CPP

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.