The feasibility and acceptability of the Early Minds preschool mindfulness program within an early childhood setting: A pilot RCT

This pilot explored educator- and parent-reported feasibility of the Early Minds program, by Smiling Mind. Seven of eight domains of a well-known framework were employed: demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration and limited efficacy testing (child internalising, externalising, prosocial behaviours and executive function). Background: The program is an app-based, educator-delivered mindfulness-informed program, designed for the early education setting. Design: Cluster randomised controlled trial. Data collection: baseline, three- and 12-month, post-randomisation. Participants: Twenty-five educators, from 10 Early Learning Centre (ELC) rooms, at six ELCs took part, along with 188 children and their parents. ELC rooms were randomly allocated into program or usual care, groups. Mean age of children: program (4.1 years, SD= 0.6; 51.4% male), usual care (4.5 years, SD= 0.7; 53.2% male). Results: The program did not meet feasibility on four of the seven educator-reported domains (implementation, practicality, adaptation, and limited efficacy testing), and showed mixed results for two domains (acceptability and integration). Parent-reported feasibility has not been established. Conclusion: The Early Minds program requires modification to address the limitations raised by educators, including more detailed training, support to progress through the program and improving child suitability and engagement. Re-assessment of feasibility is then required.