Evaluation of mothers home care/early intervention outreach program extension for non-handicapped, at-risk children and their families

The evaluation covers the period 10/89-6/91. The Portage approach, a home-based early childhood model, is used effectively and efficiently by project staff to meet the needs of the at-risk children and families. In fact, the project is now serving over twice the number originally proposed because teachers frequently are able to serve more than one child per visit. Some 1,000 children aged 0-4 years now participate in 90- minute weekly sessions. Teachers, supervisors, and directors are capable and enthusiastic in meeting the educational needs of these children and families. Their level of professionalism matches that of programs in more affluent, less troubled countries. In addition to benefiting children and families, the project also provides financial support to the women teachers and their families. Many of these previously untrained women report that their teacher salaries support from 5 to 16 additional family members. Teacher training and curricular activities are not as strong in the areas of health, hygiene, and nutrition as they are in developmental skills. Efforts should be made to strengthen these areas. There is also a need for provision of increased health services, establishment of libraries, and an increased number of kindergartens.