EFFECTIVENESS OF AN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM IN PROMOTING AND STIMULATING EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN SUSPECTED OF DEVELOPMENT DELAYS IN SOK NOK TEN SUBDISTRICT, PHON DISTRICT, KHON KAEN PROVINCE.

Abstract

This one-group repeated measures quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effectiveness of an empowerment program to promote and stimulate early
childhood development. The sample group was 32 parents who took care of children aged 3-4 years. They received the program with 4 activities: Analyze problems, tell each other, consider and reflect on their own real situations, make decisions and take action, be confident in yourself and continue to practice, 2 hours each time, and took 4 weeks, from December 2024 to February 2025. Data were collected using 2 tools: the empowerment program to promote and stimulate child development and a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Paired Sample t-test statistics. Results Before participating in the program, the sample group had a moderate level of knowledge in promoting and stimulating child development and a high level after joining the program. When comparing the mean before and after (mean = 12.38, mean = 16.22), Mean Difference = 3.84, 95%CI =3.42-4.26, it was significantly higher at the p-value <.001 level. The mean skill before joining the program was at the level of needing practice. After joining the program, it was at the level of needing practice and 18.75 percent were at the level of intelligent. When comparing the mean before and after (mean = 6.56, mean = 20.59), Mean Difference = 14.03, 95%CI =12.89-15.18, it was significantly higher at the p-value <.001 level. Satisfaction with the program was at the highest level after joining the program ( =4.74+0.32). The results of the program can enable parents to have better knowledge and skills in promoting and stimulating development. However, the implementation must be adjusted to the context of the area.