The University of Texas Health Science Center’s Children’s Learning Institute (Children’s Learning Institute) supports implementation of Play and Learning Strategies (PALS). No state support systems exist.
Implementing Play and Learning Strategies (PALS)
Entries in this row combine information across all versions of PALS except for PALS Infant. Some other versions of PALS have at least one high- or moderate-quality impact study, but no version of the model other than PALS Infant meets HHS criteria for an evidence-based home visiting model.
Last updated: October 2019
Model Overview
Theoretical Model
PALS aims to enhance parents’ interactions with their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is designed as a preventive intervention program to strengthen the attachment between parent and child and stimulate early language, cognitive, and social development.
Target Population
PALS targets at-risk families who are unlikely to have received effective parenting instruction. Local agencies may develop their own target criteria based on their service area context.
Two versions of the model exist: PALS Infant curriculum and PALS Toddler/Preschooler curriculum. PALS Infant curriculum focuses on children ages 5 to 18 months and their families. PALS Toddler/Preschooler curriculum focuses on children ages 18 months through 4 years and their families.
Targeted Outcomes
The goal of PALS is to strengthen the attachment between parent and child and to stimulate early language, cognitive, and social development.
Model Components
PALS includes one-on-one home visits between a trained parent coach and a parent.
Model Intensity and Length
PALS Infant curriculum consists of 10 weekly sessions. PALS Toddler/Preschooler curriculum consists of 12 weekly sessions. Sessions last about 90 minutes.
Location
PALS has been implemented in the District of Columbia and 19 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
Adaptations and Enhancements
PALS has been adapted for online delivery in two versions: PALS Spotlights and ePALS. PALS Spotlights is an online, self-instructional version of PALS. It consists of condensed sessions that highlight key concepts from PALS. ePALS is being used in an ongoing study and is not currently available.
Implementation Notes
The information contained on this page was last updated in October 2019. Recommended Further Reading lists the sources for this information. In addition, the information contained in this profile was reviewed for accuracy by the Children’s Learning Institute on May 6, 2019. HomVEE reserves the right to edit the profile for clarity and consistency.