REACHING OUT AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE - THE CONTEXT OF MEANING IN A HOME-BASED PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Two years in the operation of a local HIPPY (Home Instructional Progra m for Preschool Youngsters) are examined to highlight the impact of ch anged context on processes and impacts. Over the two years of operatio n, the program went from a staff consisting of a program director and paraprofessionals to an augmented staff which included a family suppor t specialist. ''Reaching out to families'' and ''making a difference'' in their lives was a strong norm during both years of the program. Th e more resource-rich service context present in the second year; howev er altered the nature of problems observed directness of interventions tried, and the meaning and limits of what it meant to reach out to fa milies and make a difference in their lives. Alternative interpretatio ns are briefly discussed and eliminated. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, I nc.