A strengths‐based, culturally responsive family intervention improves Latino kindergarteners’ vocabulary and approaches to learning

Food routines are an ecocultural asset of Latino families. This cluster‐randomized trial with 248 children (Mage = 67 months; 50% girls; 13 schools) investigated the impact of a 4‐week family program designed to capitalize on food routines in improving Latino kindergarteners’ outcomes in the United States. There were moderate‐to‐large impacts on child vocabulary (especially food‐related) at end‐of‐treatment and the 5‐month follow‐up, and suggestive evidence of moderate impacts on approaches to learning (ATL; including ATL math) and executive function at the 5‐month follow‐up (d = .38–.95). There were no statistically significant impacts on children's math or literacy skills. A strengths‐based, culturally responsive family intervention that is integrated into Latino family life can improve the skills needed to succeed in school.