Evaluating a Strengths-based Community-grounded Intervention

Structural inequities and historical underinvestment in marginalized communities create developmental contexts that constrain access to high-quality education, healthcare, stable housing, and other critical resources. This study evaluates effects of a strengths-based, community-led intervention on young children and their families, which aims to buffer structural inequities while recognizing families' strengths. Between ages 18-36 months, English- and Spanish-speaking families consented and were randomly assigned to the intervention group (ParentChild+) or the active control group (FamilyNutrition+). Each group received 92 contacts from a specialist matched with their demographics. For the intervention group, contact focused on supporting parents and children's early learning, and families received a book or toy each week; for the control group, contact focused on supporting child nutrition, and families received a small food voucher each week. The current study evaluates whether the intervention altered parents' mental health, children's early environments, and/or children's test performance and brain development.

Inclusion Criteria: * Live in Philadelphia * Family qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch (185% or below the federal poverty line, based on income and number of people in the household, e.g. $57,000/year for a family of 2 adults and 2 children), or is currently receiving support from other government assistance programs (e.g., the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP) * Parents/guardians speak English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * Premature birth (\