We evaluate an innovative, two-generation approach for addressing the strengths and needs of immigrant families with young children. While their children are in Head Start, parents attend tuition-free and family-focused ESL classes. The classes are purposefully designed to help parents improve their English proficiency while also learning about their child’s development and school experiences.
Study Design
Randomized control trial, mixed-methods, longitudinal
Sample Size
309 parents and their children
Data Collection Time Frame
September 2013 – May 2020
Key Findings
Coming in 2020
Publications
- Sommer et al. (2018, journal article) Head Start, two-generation ESL services, and parent engagement
- Sommer et al. (2019, research brief) A Two-Generation ESL Program
- Sommer et al. (2022, research brief) Effects on Immigrant Parents and Children
in Head Start One Year After Program Start
Program and Research Partners
CAP Tulsa | Tulsa WorkAdvance | Child and Adolescent Development Lab at Oklahoma State University at Tulsa
Primary Funding
Administration for Children and Families: Head Start University Partnership Grant