Head Start CARES for Migrant and Seasonal Families: Adapting a Preschool Social-Emotional Curriculum

The Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) CARES case study was designed as a companion study to the overall Head Start CARES (“Classroom-based Approaches and Resources for Emotion and Social skill promotion”) demonstration. MSHS CARES studied the adaptation and implementation of an existing evidence-based, social-emotional curriculum. MSHS CARES selected Preschool PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) curriculum to meet the needs of children and families of migrant and seasonal workers and the inherent features of MSHS programs.  MSHS CARES successfully adapted the PATHS curriculum through a strong partnership among local Head Start program operators, curriculum developers, and early childhood education researchers. This report describes methods for delivering social-emotional programs in MSHS settings, as well as findings and lessons that can inform curriculum developers and practitioners interested in adapting other program models for use in MSHS settings and with other populations.