Illustration of delivery and evaluation procedures for a targeted preventive intervention
The program «Préparer la réussite scolaire et l'adaptation sociale» is a 4-years preventive intervention implemented in two Laurentian School Boards. The program targeted 120 boys (n = 60 experimental; n = 60 control) who had Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity problems in kindergarten. The program included 1) social skills, self regulation training and incitation to reading for the boys; 2) the creation of a support group, parental skills training, and family problem solving for the parents; classroom self regulation management, management of disruptive behavior, 3) and classroom problem solving for the teachers. The description of this program is used to illustrate the application of principles and procedures inherent to the implementation and evaluation of a targeted preventive intervention. Principles and procedures pertaining to the selection and retention of participants, research design, conformity of the program, and mid-term efficacy of the program were considered. Positive effects of the program on academic achievement at the end of primary school and association with less deviant peers at mid-adolescence are also presented to illustrate the efficacy of the program. Finally, limitations and recommendations for improvement are presented in the conclusion.