Evaluation of an Early Language and Literacy Program for Parents of Infants in the NICU.

To evaluate the effect of a NICU parent education program on parents' early language and literacy practices, and on their confidence interpreting and responding to infant signals.Single group, pre- and post-test, mixed-methods evaluation design.One hundred and four parents and other caregivers completed questionnaires before and after the one-hour program. Ten parents participated in follow-up interviews.Before and after sessions, participants reported on frequency of their current and intended early language and literacy practices, and their confidence interpreting and responding to infant signals. Participants also reported program satisfaction. Interview participants reported their behavior change one to two weeks later.The program significantly increased intention to engage in more early language and literacy practices, and increased parent-reported knowledge of how and when to interact with their infants. The majority of interviewed parents reported engaging in these practices one to two weeks later.