18 – 22 months

The third point of contact with JA KIDS’ children started in January 2013 and took place when the children were between eighteen and twenty-two months old. This contact had two separate phases: telephone and face-to-face contact.

Telephone
The JA KIDS’ team attempted to contact 25% of the cohort. These participants randomly selected. Like the 9 – 12 month contact, a CATI system was used and families were asked detailed follow-up questions about their children’s health and development, family functioning, maternal and paternal health and well-being, parental stress, home learning environment and child-care arrangements. 

Face-to-Face
Another 10% of the cohort was randomly selected to participate in this phase of the contact. Once contacted, families were asked to visit the JA KIDS site to receive a more detailed developmental and behavioural assessment and evaluation.

Anthropometry
The height and weight of the mother and father (if he attends) were taken. For the child, the height, weight and head circumference were taken.

Saliva
Saliva was collected from the biological mother, child and father (either father figure or biological father if he attends).

Mullen Scales of Early Learning
This assesses early cognitive and motor development of babies using five scales (gross motor, expressive language, visual reception, receptive language, fine motor).

Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT)
This test assesses level of vocabulary of both mothers and fathers.

Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL)
Parent-report questionnaire where the child is rated on various behavioural and emotional problems.

18 Months Questionnaire
Mothers/primary caregivers were asked the same set of questions asked of mothers/primary caregivers during the telephone phase of the contact. Additionally, mothers /primary caregivers were asked about socio-economic factors which may influence them as caregiver, how they are coping as caregivers, upsetting events. Fathers were also asked additional questions about their sexual drive.

MICO word list
Mothers/primary caregivers and fathers were given this test to determine their literacy levels.