Publication

Cost-effectiveness analysis of First Step Next for preschoolers with social-emotional needs.

Publication Year: 2024

Authors: Frey, Andy J., Small, Jason W., Zhang, Bixi, Bates, Samantha, Kuklinski, Margaret R., Walker, Hill M, & Feil, Edward G

Publication Title: Research on Social Work Practice

Volume: 34

Issue Number: 8

Page(s): 902-911

Link to Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315231208400

Abstract: Purpose: Few cost-effectiveness studies have been conducted on social-emotional interventions for students in preschool settings. The current study is a cost-effectiveness analysis of the First Step Next (FSN) intervention for preschool students. Method: Our approach involved a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial that utilized the ingredients method to estimate costs (Levin & McEwan, 2001). In addition, effect sizes were used to generate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios representing the cost of improving student outcomes by one standard deviation (1 SD). Results: FSN was more cost-effective for improving behavior in the school setting than in the home setting, with an average cost per 1 SD improvement of $3,833 and $6,329, respectively. Additionally, the intervention had greater cost-effectiveness for social skill-related outcomes than problem behavior-related outcomes among preschool students. Discussion: This study advances our understanding of the costs and outcomes of practices designed to improve the school success of our youngest learners.