Core Components

The Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme is a universal group-based prevention programme for parents of children ages 6-12 years.

This programme is designed to be delivered as a universal programme over a 12-20 week duration but can also be delivered as a targeted programme for higher risk and treatment population (ADHD or ODD) parents with an increased dosage of 18-22 weeks in duration, each group sessions is 2 hours in length.  The programme is clearly operationalised with a comprehensive structured Leaders Manual and Leader Text in which the content of each session is fully described (session protocols) supported by 7 DVDs or USB, weekly home assignments and handouts and a parent book.  The IY teaching methods of the sessions are collaborative and parent goal directed and include strategies such as: (1) video modelling (2) group discussion, problem solving and support (3) role play practice activities within sessions (4) home practice activities with children and (5) reading assignments. Parenting strategies and principles learned are tailored for use by parents to address their goals for themselves and their children.

Delivery of the programme requires two trained leaders and focuses on three core topics (1) Promoting Positive Behaviours in School Age Children (2) Reducing Inappropriate Behaviours in School Age Children and, (3) Supporting Your Child’s Education.  Parent learn to monitor children after school, set rules regarding TV, computer and drug use, support children’s homework and partner with teachers to promote children’s academic, social and emotional skills.

Fidelity

Incredible Years® provides a fidelity of implementation’ framework for sites.  The steps required to effectively replicate the programme and achieve good outcomes include use of (1) standardised intervention materials (2) parent training by accredited group leaders (3) weekly session protocols and participant evaluations (4) ongoing group leader supervision, consultation and support by IY coaches or mentors (5) fidelity monitoring using evidence-based measures and final summative evaluations and (6) agency organisational supports.

Modifiable Components

The programme is a universal programme however modifiable components clearly identified include: 

• Adjustment to the number of programme sessions depending on the target population whilst ensuring the minimum recommended sessions are achieved.

• Pacing discussions and adjusting the number and relevance of vignettes shown tailoring these according to the knowledge, stress or depression levels of the parents and the developmental status of the children.

• The IY Home Coaching programme may be added as a supplement to the group parent programme for families who need more individualised assistance from leaders who coach parents to practice with their children. Or, for providing the complete programme at home for families who cannot attend parent groups.

The programme has been augmented for children in foster care and families involved in the child welfare system.

The programme is also available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Norwegian, Danish and Finnish.

Support for Organisation / Practice

Incredible Years® Inc. is based in Seattle and offers a series of inter-locking evidence-based programmes targeting parents, teachers and children. The Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme is one of a suite of IY parenting programmes and teacher programmes.

Implementation Support

Incredible Years® Inc. offers new sites/agencies considering use of any of the IY programmes a consultation to answer questions and to discuss suitability of the selected programme for the intended population and implementation goals and needs.   During this consultation, guidance relating to the importance of local data collection (baseline and follow-up), selecting the correct group leaders fit and, understanding the level of commitment and involvement needed to deliver the programme effectively is covered.  Ongoing consultation or support is available at a cost of $210 per hour.

Incredible Years® Inc. provides agencies with a range of materials to support organisational readiness.  These materials include an Administrator Packet & Brand License guide and agreement, an Agency Readiness Questionnaire, Administrator Implementation Pyramid, Fidelity Checklists, Cost Planning Spreadsheet and Evaluation questionnaires.

Licence Requirements

There is no licensing requirement to deliver the Incredible Years® Programmes. However, a Brand License Agreement is needed for use if IY materials on web sites.

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs include an upfront one-off purchase of the School Age Basic Programme priced at $1,440 which includes 7 DVDs or USB stick, Leader’s Manual, Incredible Years Troubleshooting Guide for Parents, Collaborating with Parents to Reduce Children Behaviour Problems Book for Therapists, Parenting Pyramid Poster and Refrigerator Magnet. Additional Leader’s Manuals are available for purchase costing $90.00 plus shipping costs. Home coaching manuals are a supplemental material to the Basic Curriculum and are $85 per set. 

The School Age Basic Programme can also be purchased as a Spanish / English combination pack – cost provided upon request. 

Group leader training held over 3 days in Seattle is a requirement costing $690 per person.  Alternatively, training can also be hosted at the agency site for a cohort of between 15-25 participants with onsite trainer fees of $1730-2100 per day (plus travel, food and lodging costs).  Consultation by phone or in person post training for new groups leaders is recommended and is available at $210 per hour.

Agencies will also need to budget for the cost of the parent book for each group leader and all parents who attend training.  Cost for one book is $24.95 (bulk order discounts are available).

Building Staff Competency

Qualifications Required

IY recommend that Group leaders require a Masters degree as a minimum or a professional diploma in an appropriate field such as therapists and parent educators from psychology, social work, education, nursing and psychiatry and have experience working with parents and children and an educational background in child development.

Training Requirements

Group leader training is a requirement and is a 3-day training course. The 3-day Basic Training covers the Toddler Programme, School Age Basic Programme, and Early School Age Basic Programme and is delivered in Seattle led by certified/accredited mentors or in the UK. An extra day of training is required for the home coaching version of the programme.  Agencies can also purchase training for delivery onsite to a cohort of 15-25 participants. 

Supervision Requirements

Consultation and coaching of leaders is highly recommended by Incredible Years® Inc. although not a requirement.  The process includes weekly peer review and self-evaluation of videotapes utilising process checklists, review of videotape feedback by an IY mentor, review of participant weekly evaluations, onsite consultations once or twice per year with an IY trainer and monthly telephone consultations.  The cost of consultations with IY mentors or trainers is $210 per hour.   

Accreditation of group leaders is highly recommended to promote assurance of fidelity program delivery although not a requirement unless the programme is being used as part of a research project. This process involves attending a 2-3 day workshop and passing a video review of a session and submission of an application packet that includes weekly parent evaluations and session protocols for two groups. The cost of becoming accredited is $600 which includes detailed video reviews (up to 2) and a supervisory report.  If additional video reviews are required, these are available at $105 per hour. Highly competent accredited group leaders may be identified for additional training to become an IY Peer Coach in this programme to support new group leaders (which incurs additional costs).

Theory of Change

The Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme is guided by cognitive social learning theory, modelling, attachment, development theories and research. Incredible Years has an explicit parents programme logic model which describes the short-term outcomes as (1) Improved Parenting and Interpersonal Skills (2) Improved Child Behaviour at Home (3) Improved Child Behaviour at School. The programmes longer-term outcomes aim to achieve Reduced Youth Antisocial Behaviour.

Values

The Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme develop positive nurturing relationships between parents and their children and to help parents develop effective parenting strategies to prevent and deal with emotional and disruptive behaviours. The programme seeks to help parents develop positive support networks with family and community.

• Does promoting a positive nurturing relationship between parents and children align with the key values of your service/organisation?
• Is helping parents develop a positive support network in your community a priority?

Priorities

The Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme has been developed as a prevention strategy for parents of children 6-12 years to promote optimal child development, nurturing of the parent child relationship and to prevent the development of child problem behaviours.

Working with parents of young children aged 6-12  years in a prevention approach to help develop positive parent and child interactions and relationships and equip parents with the necessary skills to positively parent:

• Is this a current priority for your organisation?
• Is helping parents understand their child’s behaviour a priority for your organisation?

Existing Initiatives

• Does your service already provide prevention programmes aiming to improve child development and mental health outcomes?
• Does your area have practitioners trained in delivering the Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme?
• Do you have links with CAMHS, Adult Mental Health Services and Child Protection Services to refer onto if required?

Workforce

To deliver the Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme requires 2 trained leaders (training duration is 3 days) for 1 session per week for 12-20 weeks of the group including booster sessions.  Additionally, leaders will require additional time for preparation, phone calls and potentially home coaching visits.

• Do you have enough qualified practitioners available to commit to undertake training?
• Do you have enough qualified practitioners available to commit to delivering the full extent of this programme?

Technology Support

To implement the Incredible Years® School Age Basic programme from a technology perspective requires a TV monitor or computer and DVD equipment.

• Do you have access to adequate technology to support practitioners to effectively deliver the technological components of the programme?

Administrative Support

Administrative support is required to recruit parents, receive referrals, collect and report on evaluation data and feedback, print of materials along with co-ordinating and booking of venues, hospitality, transport and childcare.

• Do you have enough administrative capacity and systems to meet these administrative needs?
• Do you have access to facilities to host the parent group?
• Are you able to provide childcare?

Financial Support

Start-up costs include purchase of the programme at $1440; and training for two practitioners ($690 pp in Seattle; or as part of a 15-25 person cohort on site $1730-2100, plus travel and subsistence). Post training consultation is available at $210 per hour. If group leaders apply to become certified/accredited additional funding is required.

• Do you have the finances to pay for practitioners to attend the training and additional costs for group leader text, and manuals, consultations, coaching, mentoring and accreditation?

Ongoing costs include purchase of materials ($24.95 per parent) and the provision of a venue, hospitality, transport and childcare to deliver the programme.

• Are you able to fund the recurring group delivery costs?

Comparable Population

The Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme is designed as a universal programme for all parents with children aged 6-12 years.

Evidence of its effectiveness includes neglected and maltreated children, children in foster care and children in the child welfare system.   

• Is this comparable to the population you serve?
• Does your organisation have existing contacts with parents in this population?
• Are you likely to receive enough referrals for eligible families to populate a recurring programme of Incredible Years® School Age Basic groups?

Desired Outcome

The Incredible Years® School Age Basic Programme is a behaviour based preventative programme designed to help parents strengthen parent-child interactions and attachment, reduce harsh discipline and foster parent’s ability to promote children’s social, emotional and academic development.

• Are the improvements of children’s development, learning and mental health priority outcomes for your organisation?

Research has identified that the Incredible Years School Age Basic Programme has improved child behavioural problems, reduced conduct symptoms and improved children’s social competence. In parents’ improvements identified were positive improvements in parenting practices and skills, parental depression & stress and improved parent-child relationships.

• Do you have other existing initiatives that would be supportive of addressing this need and achieving these outcomes?