Exploring the Costs of Implementing a Targeted Behavior Intervention in Publicly Funded Preschools

Exploring the Costs of Implementing a Targeted Behavior Intervention in Publicly Funded Preschools Poster Thumbnail

BEST in CLASS (Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Training: Competent Learners Achieving School Success) is an evidence-based Tier 2 intervention that supports preschool teachers in preventing and addressing challenging behaviors through teacher training and Practice-Based Coaching (PBC). While coaching-based interventions can improve teacher practices and child outcomes, they also require substantial resources to implement. This poster presents findings from a cost analysis conducted as part of a larger effectiveness study. Using the ingredients method, we estimated the costs of implementing the intervention using national and state-specific pricing data. Results show that implementation costs ranged from approximately $6,200 to $7,500 for one coach supporting three teachers, with personnel costs accounting for the majority of expenses. Findings provide practical information for administrators and policymakers seeking to balance effectiveness, feasibility, and sustainability when selecting evidence-based interventions.

Conference: Administration of Children and Families’ National Research Conference on Early Childhood (NRCEC)

Presenters: Maricela Morales, Anandita Krishnamachari, Gullnar Syed, Elisa Garcia, and Carl Sumi (SRI)

Presentation Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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