Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Grace Lappin

Abstract

The problem that was investigated through this study was the high withdrawal rates of families that enroll in MIECHV programs. Examining this issue provided data that will be shared with MIECHV programs to identify potential strategies to reduce high withdrawals. This basic qualitative study with semistructured interviews examined MIECHV staffs’ perspectives on the reasons for high withdrawals. The purpose of this study was to examine MIECHV program staff members’ perspectives on the reasons for the high withdrawal. The study was guided by Mowder’s parent development theory (PDT) and examined parenting as a continual process whereby parents constantly adjusted their parenting role and perspectives. The research questions focused on the staff members’ perspectives (1) about the reasons for withdrawals, (2) on how to reduce early withdrawals, and (3) on training needed to reduce withdrawals. Participants included twelve home visitors and three service coordinators selected through convenience sampling. The interviews were 25-30 minutes. The data analysis involved open coding with thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. Key results from the research indicated that parents may not understand their role in the process; they have other responsibilities; they do not communicate amply with their providers; and providers do not have enough training to address parent needs. Based on the results of the study, the following recommendation may benefit programs: increased training for staff to reduce withdrawals and encourage effective communication between providers and parents. The positive social change resulting from the study included evidence-based outcomes to decrease the number of withdrawals and may result in the expansion of MIECHV funded programs into other communities.

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