Social and Emotional Learning in Norwegian Kindergarten

Ostfold University College

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Universal Behavioral Supports

Treatments: Behavioral: Free play; Behavioral: Norwegian version of Second Step Early Learning

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06975267

353778 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

OstfoldUC300802

Details and patient eligibility

About

This project evaluates the effectiveness of the Norwegian version of Second Step Early Learning (Småsteg), a program of 28 weeks that emphasizes learning, friendship skills, and managing several strong feelings (e.g., scared, worried, surprised, frustrated, excited), not only anger, on socio-emotional learning (SEL) in kindergartens versus play is a cluster randomized controlled trial. The hypothesis states that Småsteg is superior to play only in improving children's SEL. In the study, 990 children within 66 kindergartens will be recruited and allocated following the randomization at the school level. The primary outcome is based on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which will be answered by parents and teachers at baseline, immediately after the 28 weeks of intervention and then six months after the change to the new school (K1). The secondary outcome is empathy, assessed by the Empathy Questionnaire for Children (EmQue), a parent report-based questionnaire comprising 15 items assessing three domains: emotion contagion, attention to other's feelings, and prosocial actions.

Småsteg could impact the joint attention score, which, in turn, affects the SDQ score. A mobile application (app) will be developed to track children's behaviors via teachers, parents, and children's activities. This study contributes to the scientific understanding of how such interventions can impact SEL and future academic achievement in kindergarten-aged children but also brings insights into mechanisms throughout intervention like Småsteg in early childhood might help the development of SEL, shaping early education policies and practices.

Enrollment: 900 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 4 to 6 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• All children in the appropriate age group are eligble for inclusion in the study.
• Kindergarten with approximately 15 children or more in the age group are eligble for enrollment.

Exclusion criteria

• Kindergartens cannot have implemented the Norwegian version of Second Step Early Learning as an active intervention in their kindergarten for at least the past four years from the start of this study.
• Less than 15 participants in the kindergarten.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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900 participants in 2 patient groups

Norwegian version of second step early learning

Experimental group

Description:

The Norwegian version of the Second Step Early Learning program, in Norwegian called Steg for steg, Småsteg. This is a 28 weeks program divided into five themes which aims to enhance and strengthen children's abilities to learn, show empathy, handle their emotions, friendships, and problem solving.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Norwegian version of Second Step Early Learning

Free play

Active Comparator group

Description:

As an active comparator, these children will get the additional time for free play in their kindergartens. The additional time is a reflection of the duration of the program in the intervention group.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Free play