Citation

Crean HF, Hightower AD, Allan MJ. Eval. Program Plann. 2001; 24(3): 267-275.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0149-7189(01)00018-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the school-based Early Childhood Centers for Children of Teen Parents Program. Designed to keep young mothers in school, the program provides needed support to urban young mothers including free on-site child care for their infants and toddlers, parenting classes, and referral to other service agencies. Archived school record information was collected on teen mothers who participated in the program (n=81) and on a group of teen mothers who had applied for the program but did not receive services (n=89). Controlling for pre-service differences, participant mothers were found to have better school attendance and deemed to be at lower overall risk than were the non-participant young mothers. Significant differences were also evident in the graduation rates of these young mothers--70% of the participant mothers graduated, 28% of the non-participant young mothers graduated. Logistic regression correctly classified graduation/drop-out status in 76% of the cases. School attendance, mother's age at birth of the child, and participation/non-participation in the program were significant predictors. Percent core courses passed and average risk scores did not significantly add to prediction. Implications and future areas of study are discussed.