CFS Participates in First National Study on Early Childhood Mental Health

Tampa Bay children between the ages of one-and-a-half and four years old are participating in the first national study of its kind to help answer important questions about challenging behaviors and mental health concerns in early childhood. These young children, some enrolled in special education classes because of problem behaviors, will help to determine why some children are more likely to succeed in school, at home and socially, while others display challenging behaviors that can leave their caretakers physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.

Staff from the Department of Child & Family Studies are among a group of key experts in the field of early childhood development participating in the Kids in Development Study, conducted by the Center for Evidence-Based Practice: Young Children with Challenging Behavior (CEBP). The goal of the Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, is to improve the lives of young children and their families by raising awareness and increasing the number of successful intervention programs for young children with behavioral problems.

“The Kids in Development Study is a central component in achieving this goal,” said Lise Fox, director of the USF Center. “The three-year project will assist professionals, parents and caregivers in providing the most effective and efficient intervention strategies for children who present challenging behaviors. As a result, more children will be better prepared for school success.”

Children without problem behavior who are 18 to 48 months old can be considered for the study if they meet at least four of the following criteria:

• Lives in a household with an income below the poverty line and/or is eligible for Temporary Aid for Needy Families.
• Birth mother was younger than 18 when child was born.
• Mother or primary caregiver is not a high school graduate.
• Mother or primary caregiver is a single parent.
• Is at risk for poor developmental outcomes based on past testing.
• Has a current or history of Child Protective Services involvement.
• Has a history of domestic violence in the family.
• Mother or primary caregiver is clinically depressed or has other significant psychiatric difficulties.
• Mother or primary caregiver is low-functioning due to a cognitive development delay.

“ This is the largest study of its kind, and the first ever to look at early childhood behavior problems over a course of time,” said Cathy Sowell, research coordinator. “While our focus is on children who exhibit problem behaviors such as tantrums, hitting others, tearing up property, and not doing what adults ask them to do more than most children their age, we are also enrolling children who meet other risk factors.” (See sidebar for risk factors)

Researchers from Center partner sites will follow children over a 3 to 4 year period. They will meet with each family every six months to obtain information related to the child’s development, including family history; behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties and competence; as well as factors concerning the child’s home, community, childcare, school, and early intervention services. Center partners include the University of South Florida, University of Colorado-Denver, Lehigh University, Pyramid Parent Training, University of Florida, University of Kansas, University of Illinois, and Tennessee Voices for Children.

For more information about the Kids In Development Study, please visit: http://cfs.fmhi.usf.edu/dares/kids.

The Department of Child and Family Studies (CFS) is a department of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida. The faculty and staff of CFS are committed to enhancing the development, mental health and well-being of children and families through leadership in integrating research, theory & practice.


Prospective Students \| Our Students \| Visitors \| Faculty & Staff \| Alumni & Parents \| Business & Community \| Campuses