Impact Findings from the Head Start CARES Demonstration

July 17, 2014

Head Start CARES is a national demonstration that tests the effectiveness of three program enhancements designed to improve preschool children's social-emotional competence. The three enhancements include "The Incredible Years Teacher Training Program," "Preschool PATHS" (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies), and "Tools of the Mind - Play."

A new report, Impact Findings from the Head Start CARES Demonstration (July 2014) finds that all three enhancements had positive impacts on teacher practice and on children's social-emotional outcomes during the preschool year, although in varying degrees and not necessarily in the expected ways. The report was published by the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE), Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.