Improving School Transition By Improving Child Sleep: A Translational Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$745,827.00
Summary
A successful transition to school sets a child on a path for life. A poor transition can lead to early drop out, poor peer relationships and poor emotional skills. In 2008/09, we found that a brief sleep intervention for children improved key determinants of a successful transition including social-emotional functioning and parent mental health. We now plan to see if the same intervention, delivered by school nurses, can have a similar effect.
Understanding Parent Behaviours That Promote Language In Slow-to-talk Toddlers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,144.00
Summary
Research suggests that parent-child interactions can have a positive effect on the language development of preschool age children. This community-based study aims to identify which specific parent behaviours promote language in a group of 200 slow-to-talk toddlers. If specific parent behaviours are found to result in better language outcomes in slow-to-talk toddlers, the results will have the potential to promote far more pro-active management of early language delay.
The European Commission study - Models of Child Health Appraised (MOCHA) will examine the most effective model of primary health care (medical and non-medical) for children. We will complement this work through specific Australian studies on (1) experiences at the primary/secondary care interface, (2) development and testing of paediatric quality measures and (3) determining if and how primary care addresses inequity; ensuring all the results are translatable outside the European context.
The Kids in Communities Study: national investigation of community level effects on children's developmental outcomes. This project (a cross-disciplinary collaboration) will investigate community level factors influencing early childhood developmental outcomes using a mixed methods approach in up to 10 communities across Australia. This will result in a potential set of measures or indicators that reflect communities that are good for children.
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Of An Innovative Intervention To Increase Childrens Physical Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,530.00
Summary
Rates of childhood obesity are increasing and outdoor free play is decreasing. Research suggests that these patterns are inter-related, and that adults perceive outdoor free play to be risky for children. In this study we will reprioritise play, reframe teachers' perceptions of risk and modify the playground environment to increase children's physical activity. We will assess the effectiveness of this simple, cost-effective intervention in a randomised controlled trial.
Improving Outcomes Of Preschool Language Delay In The Community: Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$927,327.00
Summary
7-15% of preschool children have language delay, so are vulnerable to poor lifelong academic, social and economic outcomes. Small trials suggest that intervention helps. This randomized trial aims to find out the population costs and benefits of optimized intervention for 4 year olds following systematic identification of language delay. Because we have studied the 1500 participants since infancy, the trial could also shed light on why some children respond better than others to treatment.