Play and Learning Strategies (PALS) Toddler/Preschooler

5

Manuscripts

Released in 1979 through 2018

2

Manuscripts

Impact studies rated high or moderate quality

Services intended at ages
12-23 months
24-35 months
36-47 months
48+ months
Favorable results from well-defined research
Child development and school readiness
Positive parenting practices

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Play and Learning Strategies (PALS) is designed to strengthen parent-child bonding and stimulate children’s early language, cognitive, and social development. There are two versions of the program: PALS I Infant curriculum for families with children 5 months to 1 year, which consists of 10 weekly sessions; and PALS II Toddler curriculum for children 18 months to 3 years, which consists of 12 weekly sessions.

Related Models:

Where to find out more

Effectiveness

Does not meet criteria established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for an evidence-based home visiting model.

Does not meet criteria for an evidence-based home visiting model for Indigenous peoples and communities.

Extent of Evidence

For more information about manuscripts, search the research database.

For more information on the criteria used to rate research, please see details of HomVEEʼs methods and standards.

5

Manuscripts

Released in 1979 through 2018

4

Manuscripts

Eligible for review

2

Manuscripts

Impact studies rated high or moderate quality

Note: When an individual manuscript reports findings from multiple studies, HomVEE reviews each study as a distinct manuscript. In these rare instances, HomVEE counts that manuscript multiple times in this table, once for each study identified, screened, and reviewed by HomVEE.

Summary of Findings

To see details on each manuscript HomVEE reviewed in well-designed research, click on the manuscript counts in the table.

Favorable:
A finding showing a statistically significant impact on an outcome measure in a direction that is beneficial for children and parents.

No effect:
Findings are not statistically significant.

Unfavorable:
A finding showing a statistically significant impact on an outcome measure in a direction that may indicate potential harm to children and/or parents.

Outcomes Manuscripts Favorable Findings No Effects Findings Unfavorable Findings
Child development and school readiness View 2 Manuscripts 6 7 1
Child health Not measured - - -
Family economic self-sufficiency Not measured - - -
Linkages and referrals Not measured - - -
Maternal health Not measured - - -
Positive parenting practices View 2 Manuscripts 1 13 0
Reductions in child maltreatment Not measured - - -
Reductions in juvenile delinquency, family violence, and crime Not measured - - -

Research Characteristics

Well-designed impact studies about this model included participants with the following characteristics:

Race/Ethnicity

Black or African American
33.80%
Hispanic or Latino
38.60%
White
24.70%
Unknown
3.00%

Well-designed impact studies about this model were conducted in the following locations:

  • South
  • Texas