Cross Program Training: A Pilot Project to Develop a Training Program for Caretakers of Special Needs Children

摘要

The report presents the results of a process and outcome evaluation of the Cross-Program Training Project which was undertaken to develop and test a model for training foster parents, teachers, and social workers who were jointly responsible for the care of special needs children, especially preschoolers. The project had five major components: (1) site development, (2) needs assessment, (3) pilot training workshops, (4) evaluation, and (5) product development. The purposes of the evaluation were twofold: (1) to provide regular process evaluation and feedback to the staff as the project was implemented and (2) to provide a summary report outlining the results of the projects. Results of three evaluation activities (process evaluation during project development and implementation, evaluation of training workshops, and feedback from target group participants) indicate that the concept of cross-program training is viable and useful to local participants. The training itself was well received and the consultation and idea-sharing which accompanied it were determined to be very useful.