The home
language environment (HLE) is robustly associated with children’s later
language and literacy abilities. The present study used a quasi-experimental
comparison design to examine the changes in LENA (Language ENvironment
Analysis) estimates of the HLE for participants who completed a
community-based parent-education program relative to participants who
regularly visit the library, but did not participate in the program.
Twenty-eight caregivers and their 0- to 30-month-old children made up the comparison
sample. They were matched on key control variables using propensity score
matching techniques to participants in the intervention sample. The
intervention sample was 28 caregivers and their children drawn from the
larger sample of participants who completed the educational program. Using
longitudinal growth curve modeling, we found significant growth in weekly
estimates in adult language input to children, conversational turn-taking,
and child vocalizations for the intervention group, but not for the
comparison group. Community-delivered interventions have the potential to
engage caregivers to provide enriching language environments that lead to
children’s healthy language development.
