Human Center Design (HCD): A Strategy to Better Understand the Educational Needs of Young Mothers in Washington DC

Objectives: The objectives of this study, is to use the tools of HCD to identify and prioritize the educational needs of adolescent mothers in Washington DC Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 young mothers who had experienced teenage pregnancy and 10 providers assisting young parents in accessing support services, including childcare. 159 problem ideas were identified. Open and axial coding were used to code the interview transcripts and organize them into categories and themes following thematic analysis. Results: 159 problems were generated. Of these, four main themes emerged. The results, revealed a concerning lack of; (a) Daycare services in the schools, workplace and community or (close to home, school or work), and for community recreation centers to provide space for day care, establish youth groups for babysitting, 24-hour day care services. (b) Education on life skills- Adolescent mothers, require education on co-parenting, financial literacy, training on work habits, stress management. (c)Policy and monitoring on virtual learning- Adolescent mothers, require policies to be put in place for virtual learning as an option for Adolescent mothers, paid internships or affirmative action for Adolescent mothers, with high school diploma. d)Resource Development: Adolescent mothers, expressed a desire for an app to provide 24-hour phone support for child care services. Conclusion: Designers and policy makers could use the findings of this study to develop interventions with the stakeholders, that would prevent school dropouts among Adolescent mothers in Washington DC. Subsequently, increase higher education obtainment and reduce social determinants of health disparities among the adolescent population.