The HOME Inventory
Texas has chosen the Caldwell and Bradley Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Inventory as a measure of parenting skills for the Texas Even Start Program. The HOME is utilized to measure specific family variables that have been identified through research to predict subsequent school-related performance. The HOME was developed by Bradley and Caldwell in 1984 and has been widely accepted as a valid, research based assessment that correlates with school achievement in first grade and with children’s academic achievement test scores at 11 years old (Bradley, Caldwell & Rock, 1988).
The HOME Inventory purports to include items that represent stimulation and support for the child that contribute to optimal development but that do not necessarily necessitate money, social status or education. The HOME scales attempt to represent opportunity for all children through environmental planning and can provide guidance in regard to parenting and home visit curricula.
In Texas, Even Start Programs are required to administer two levels of the HOME Inventory: Infant/Toddler for ages 0 to 3 years and Early Childhood for ages 4 to 5. Pre-test visits are to occur within one month of enrollment and post-test visits are to occur within four to nine months of program participation.
