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The impact evaluation of short repeated programs: The case of parenting skills programs

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  • Del Boca, Daniela
  • Pronzato, Chiara Daniela
  • Schiavon, Lucia

Abstract

In this article, we estimate a series of models to evaluate the effects of a short program in a context where randomization is not feasible but the program follows a cyclical pattern. We will focus empirically on a case study involving parenting skills courses, which have become increasingly popular. In order to evaluate the impact of the program on parents’ and children outcomes, we employ two different methods. The first method compares the outcomes of families who have just finished the program with those who are about to start it; the second compares the outcomes of the same families over time. Furthermore, we propose a model to test whether families who enrolled early were systematically different from those who enrolled later. We find beneficial effects of the program on the importance of living in an area that offers opportunities and of having good quality relationships with friends and family; on the level of self-confidence in sharing one's experiences with other parents; and, in general, on the opinion that tablets and cell phones can be useful for learning, can give parents the opportunity to do something and can calm children. Moreover, we show that the families who access the course early are not random in every respect: they consistently assign higher importance to being well-integrated into a community and having access to culture for their well-being, and eventually, they utilize their time with children differently.

Suggested Citation

  • Del Boca, Daniela & Pronzato, Chiara Daniela & Schiavon, Lucia, 2024. "The impact evaluation of short repeated programs: The case of parenting skills programs," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:106:y:2024:i:c:s0149718924000788
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102476
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniela Del Boca & Christopher Flinn & Matthew Wiswall, 2014. "Household Choices and Child Development," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 81(1), pages 137-185.
    2. Jonathan Guryan & Erik Hurst & Melissa Kearney, 2008. "Parental Education and Parental Time with Children," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 22(3), pages 23-46, Summer.
    3. Giovanna Mascheroni & Marium Saeed & Marco Valenza & Davide Cino & Thomas Dreesen & Lorenzo Giuseppe Zaffaroni & Daniel Kardefelt Winther & UNICEF Office of Research - Innocenti, 2021. "Learning at a Distance: Children’s remote learning experiences in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic," Papers inorer1182, Innocenti Research Report.
    4. repec:iza:izawol:journl:y:2015:p:134 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Daniela Del Boca, 2015. "Childcare choices and child development," IZA World of Labor, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), pages 134-134, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Policy evaluation; Randomized phase-in trial; Parenting skills; Use of time;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education

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