Data from the 2017-2018 academic year show that:

  • Families who received the BE enhanced outreach were more likely to attend session 2, which coincided with the onset of text messages sharing session information and reminders.

  • Families who received text messages at varying times of the day were more likely to attend at session 2 when compared to families who received text messages at the same time.

  • With site-level randomization, sites were slightly imbalanced along poverty and percent Hispanic demographic characteristics.


  • During our 2016-17 pilot research, we learned:

  • Families who received one weekly session reminder via text-message were more likely to attend four or more parenting program sessions versus families who received weekly session reminders, previews of session content, and reviews of session materials via text-message in addition to a small incentive and video testimonials.
  • Attendance is higher during Autumn sessions compared to the Spring and during the first few sessions, presenting opportunities to capitalize on behavioral economic strategies to support retention.
  • Parent work conflict remains a leading reason for not participating in the weekly parenting program sessions.