"The Second step program vs. the Be Together program" : a comparative analysis on the second step program and the pilot program Be Together

Abstract

Background. The Second Step program has been around since 2001. In 2011 a new program was introduced to a selective number of kindergartens in West and East Agder in the South of Norway, the Be Together program. The two programs had several obvious similarities and some that were not so obvious. This brought curiosity to equation. Purpose/Problem. The intension for this study was to compare the programs and see whether they actually did compare. By doing a comparative analysis of the two programs one would be able to see if there was a need for a new program or if a new program would put an overload on kindergartens that are already facing stress and a lack of resources. It would also pose the immediate problems that each program is facing in order to be the one that succeeds as a primary program for kindergartens all over the country. Selection. The research is a qualitative individual focus study that is based on 4 professionals, whom has previously worked with the Second Step program and is now working with the Be Together program. Method. Semi-structured interviews Results. In regard to the staff material the informants preferred working with the Be Together program and in regard to the children’s material a majority of the staff preferred the Second Step program. The minority of the informants did not think the program would succeed and neither would it take of the role of the Second Step program. Conclusion. The result provided gave a clear understanding that the Be Together had a long way to go in order to replace the Second Step program and there was hope that the Be Together program would be evaluated in such a way that the program eventually could become a primary program in the selected kindergartens.