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

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

Publication: 2023. "Research on Social Work Practice": Advance online publication. doi:10.1177/10497315231208400.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315231208400

Publication type: Journal Article

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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.