LaForett, D. R., Murray, D. W., Reed, J. J., Kurian, J., Mills-Brantley, R. and Webster-Stratton, C. (2019). Delivering the Incredible Years® Dina Treatment Program in Schools for Early Elementary Students with Self-Regulation Difficulties. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
https://doi.org/10.1080/23794925.2019.1631723
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of an evidence-based treatment, the Incredible Years® (IY) Small Group Dina Dinosaur Treatment program, as delivered in elementary schools to address the needs of children in kindergarten through second grade with self-regulation difficulties. Adaptations for school-based delivery of 17 intervention groups across three cohorts and 11 schools are described and implementation data including qualitative feedback from school stakeholders are presented. Mixed method data show that, with implementation supports, this adapted model can be delivered in schools with fidelity at a dosage comparable to the clinic-based model, with high levels of satisfaction among school counselors, teachers, and parents. Implementation challenges include logistics such as space and scheduling, program fit with school practices and policies, use of specific treatment strategies such as time-out within the school context, capacity of school personnel to deliver the program, and selection of students and group composition. Lessons learned can inform adaptation and delivery of other evidence-based clinic treatments in school settings.