Measurement of the early rearing environment: caregiver-child interaction.

This chapter identifies measures that can be used to capture status and change in the quality and quantity of early caregiver-child interactions. Because maternal drug abuse often necessitates the use of alternative caregivers for the child, through either legal or informal arrangements, the measures discussed herein are suitable for the biological mother, father, or grandparent; professional foster parent; or any other designated primary caregiver. The discussion considers the significance of such measures in evaluating the efficacy of maternal intervention programs and in understanding the sequelae of prenatal drug exposure for children. The chapter also reviews the conceptual dimensions of caregiving, assessment procedures used in the home and laboratory, and level of analysis, whether by behavioral counts or rating scales. Comments on the strengths and pitfalls of specific measures also are included.