We are proud to share new findings that highlight the power of our Promoting Our Preschoolers (POP) program in supporting families with young children. The University of Cincinnati’s Arlitt Child and Family Research Education Center recently completed an in-depth evaluation of POP, and the results confirm what families and educators see every day. POP is helping children grow, helping parents gain confidence, and helping families build a strong foundation before kindergarten.
POP serves families with children ages three to five in Price Hill. Through regular home visits, families receive early learning resources, developmental screenings, educational supplies, and coaching that support school readiness. POP is a family-centered program, and families also receive help with advocacy, community referrals, and parent support. Parents are introduced to other Santa Maria programs and work toward goals that strengthen the entire household. Children take part in home or small group learning activities that build early literacy, social skills, and school habits.
The University of Cincinnati’s evaluation shows significant growth for children and parents in the program. Children made progress in their motor skills, social development, and early learning concepts. Parents showed meaningful increases in the ways they support their child’s learning through conversation, play, and daily routines. Families who entered the program with the greatest needs showed the strongest growth, showing that POP truly helps narrow the opportunity gap for Price Hill families.
“Findings show that across many dimensions, the POP program is closing the opportunity gap for both children and their parents,” said Dr. Ann Rossmiller, Research Associate at UC’s Arlitt Center and lead evaluator of the study.
Educators in POP were also recognized for the caring and comprehensive support they offer families. Along with school readiness coaching, POP educators help families access housing and healthcare, find resources for basic needs, and connect with other Santa Maria programs. This wraparound approach strengthens the home environment, giving children the stability they need to thrive in school.
“This evaluation validates what we have seen firsthand,” said H. A. Musser, Jr., President and CEO of Santa Maria. “POP is changing lives by helping children prepare for kindergarten and empowering parents with the tools they need to support their children’s development from day one.”
The report also noted that children with lower language skills at the start showed slower growth in that area. This finding offers an important next step for the program, especially for families with multilingual learners. Santa Maria’s team is already enhancing language support to help children build stronger early literacy and communication skills.
Sisan Cuervo, Santa Maria Board of Directors Chair and speech language pathologist, shared, “This study gives us both affirmation and direction. It confirms that our POP program is changing developmental trajectories for children in Price Hill and shows us the need to strengthen early language support for our multilingual learners. An area our team is already working on. We are deeply committed to building on what works and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or home language, receives the strong start they deserve.”
Santa Maria is grateful to Millstone Fund for supporting this important study and for helping guide the future of the POP program. The findings reinforce that early support matters and that POP is making a real difference for children and families throughout Greater Price Hill.
