Laying the Groundwork: Provider’s Experiences with Implementing Two Parenting Programs to Caregivers of Children Aged 2-6 Years in Ontario, Canada: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Introduction: Parenting programs have been identified as a valuable service provision to promote quality parent-child relationships and attachment styles. The Triple P positive parenting program and the Circle of Security parenting (COS-P) program are evidence-based interventions designed to prevent behavioral and emotional problems in children. However, there is a lack of literature on the experiences of providers delivering these programs in the Canadian context. This study aimed to investigate and characterize these experiences through a mixed-methods approach. Methods: A total of 83 providers participated in the cross-sectional portion of the study, completing readiness measures prior to program implementation. The qualitative descriptive component of the study involved a sub-group of 22 providers in semi-structured focus groups, 12 months after program implementation. Descriptive measures were analyzed using R studio V. 4.2.0, while NVIVO Version 13 was used to manage the thematic analysis of the focus groups. The mixed-methods component involved an explanatory sequential approach, which involved integrating the data via a joint display table. Results: Organizational readiness involving training, supervision, and support were crucial for program delivery. Barriers identified included a lack of support, overwhelming workload, difficulty engaging parents, and program-specific barriers, while facilitators included positive experiences with training, teamwork, confidence, virtual delivery, and managerial support. Discussion: The results suggest that organizational readiness is crucial to the successful delivery of these programs. Providers require training, supervision, and ongoing support to deliver these interventions effectively. Additionally, barriers and facilitators in the delivery of these programs were identified, which can inform future program implementation and improve outcomes. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights for organizations and providers to effectively deliver parenting programs like Triple P and COS-P by addressing barriers and facilitators of delivery, which can consequently improve parent-child relationships and attachment styles.