PICCOLO sample items.pdf

Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO)

Developed by Lori A. Roggman, Ph.D., Gina A. Cook, Ph.D., Mark S. Innocenti, Ph.D., Vonda Jump Norman, Ph.D., & Katie Christiansen, Ph.D., with Sheila Anderson, Ph.D.

INSTRUCTIONS: Look closely to see behaviors in a quiet parent.

AFFECTION

Warmth, physical closeness, and positive expressions toward child

# Parent... Observation guidelines Absent Barely Clearly
1 speaks in a warm tone of voice Parent's voice is positive in tone and may show enthusiasm or tenderness. A parent who speaks little but very warmly should be coded highly. 0 1 2
2 smiles at child Parent directs smiles toward child, but parent and child do not need to be looking at each other when smile occurs. Includes small smiles. 0 1 2

RESPONSIVENESS

Responding to child’s cues, emotions, words, interests, and behaviors

# Parent... Observation guidelines Absent Barely Clearly
1 pays attention to what child is doing Parent looks at and reacts to what child is doing by making comments, showing interest, helping or otherwise attending to child's actions. 0 1 2
2 changes pace or activity to meet child's interests or needs Parent tries a new activity or speeds up or slows down an activity in response to where child looks, what child reaches for, what child says, or emotions child shows. 0 1 2

ENCOURAGEMENT

Active support of exploration, effort, skills, initiative, curiosity, creativity, and play

# Parent... Observation guidelines Absent Barely Clearly
1 explains reasons for something to child Parent says something that could answer a “why” question, whether child asks a question or not. 0 1 2
2 suggests activities to extend what child is doing Parent says something child could do to add to what child is already doing but does not interrupt child's interests, actions, or play. 0 1 2
1 waits for child's response after making a suggestion Parent pauses after saying something the child could do and waits for child to answer or do something, whether child actually responds or not. 0 1 2
2 encourages child to handle toys Parent offers toys or says positive things when child shows obvious interest in toys. (Does not include preventing children from mouthing toys.) 0 1 2