What is PlayReadVIP?

​​PlayReadVIP is a relationship-based, individualized parent-child intervention that is administered to families in the context of pediatric primary care.

PlayReadVIP sessions typically take place on the day of a child's regularly-scheduled pediatric well visit, either before or after the child see the pediatrician.  During each  session, the parent and child will receive a half-hour of one-on-one support from their PlayReadVIP Coach.  The Coach delivers a curriculum focused on supporting interactions in the context of pretend play, shared reading and daily routines; all shown to enhance child development and school readiness.

There are currently two age-specific versions of PlayReadVIP: PlayReadVIP 0-3 for infants and toddlers (birth through 3 years); and PlayReadVIP 3-5 for preschoolers (3-5 years).

What happens during a PlayReadVIP session?

​During each PlayReadVIP session, three important things take place:

1. Video-recording (and review session) of the parent and child

A central part of each session is the creation of a 2-3 minute video of the parent and child playing and/or reading together.  Before the video is recorded, the Coach and parent talk together about the parent's developmental goals for the child, and then the Coach provides the parent with developmentally-appropriate learning materials and suggests ways that the parent can use those activities at home to engage with the child.

While creating the video, the parent has the opportunity to play, talk, and engage with their child while trying out the activities that were discussed with the Coach.  After the video is created, the Coach and parent watch it together, with the Coach providing feedback about the parent's interactions with her child.  Importantly, the Coach reinforces positive interactions and provides suggestions about missed opportunities for interaction.

The parent is then given a copy of the video to keep to support the implementation of activities and home and to share with other family members/caretakers.

2. Learning materials are provided

At each session, parents are given a toy and/or book that they get to keep.  These high-quality learning materials are chosen to match the child's age and developmental level and are specifically selected to promote parent-child engagement in activities likely to support child development. 

​3. PlayReadVIP Coach and parent fill out pamphlet together

PlayReadVIP's message is reinforced using written, visit-specific pamphlets which the Coach reviews with each parent/caregiver. Each pamphlet includes suggestions for interacting with the child through play, shared reading and daily routines. The Coach encourages the parent to show the pamphlet to the pediatric provider who further reinforces messages.

How many PlayReadVIP sessions can a family complete?

There is an age-specific PlayReadVIP session designed for each of the 13 AAP-recommended pediatric well-child visits between 1 month and 5 years.  Well-child visits are scheduled every few months during infancy and toddlerhood, but are less frequent for preschoolers and older children.  Additional age-specific visits are available for preschoolers even outside of the AAP-recommended well-visits to provide additional support for school-readiness. Families can even complete sessions remotely through Zoom and other platforms!

In total, there are 14 age-specific PlayReadVIP 0-3 sessions designed for infants/toddlers between birth and 3 years, and 9 age-specific PlayReadVIP 3-5 sessions designed for preschoolers between 3 and 5 years. Upon completion of PlayReadVIP 0-3 or PlayReadVIP 3-5, parents will have a collection of developmentally-appropriate toys and books for their child as well as a library of videos of their parent-child interactions from each session.