Evaluation of the Hanen Early Childhood Educators Programme

The current study is an evaluation of the Hanen Early Childhood Educators P rogramme (Weitzman 1992). It explores outcomes for both staff and children following staff participation in the training programme. Using a comparativ e study design and pre- and post-training measures the changes in staff and children were investigated. Results revealed that the training programme d id not bring about change in children's receptive and expressive language s kills. Changes were observed in children's social interaction skills. This was reinforced by staff reports of changes in children's interaction. Staff changes included increased skills and confidence in identifying and suppor ting children with speech and language difficulties alongside positive chan ges in their interaction styles. The methodological difficulties inherent i n evaluating training effects and the need for further research are highlig hted.