Transforming Transitions to Kindergarten

Purpose: This project designed, implemented, and evaluated a multi-pronged intervention to  support children to have the social and emotional skills they need to make the difficult shift from preschool to kindergarten. The primary project components are: (1) providing organizational capacity development to Head Start programs to  enhance their capacity to implement effective early childhood mental health and transition services; and (2) implementing a family-driven, team-based approach to supporting successful transitions for children with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Project Design: Design, implement, and evaluate the intervention into Head Start sites using quantitative pre/post surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews with Head Start staff, Head Start parents, and kindergarten teachers.

Funding Source: National Institute for Disabilities and Rehabilitation Research

Start Date: October 2004

Project Team

Evaluation Director

• Beth L. Green, Ph.D. (Collaborative project with Portland State University’s Research & Training Center for Family Support and Children’s Mental Health, Barbara Friesen, PI)

Project Director

• Anna Malsch (Portland State University)

Reports and Publications

Training and Resources

Green, B. L., Everhart, M., Gordon, L., & Gettman, M. G. (Dec. 2006). Characteristics of Effective Mental Health Consultation in Early Childhood Settings: Multilevel Analysis of a National Survey. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 26(3), 142-152.
Paper

Green, B. L., Everhart, M., Gordon, L., & Friesen, B. (March 2004). Management Strategies for Positive Mental Health Outcomes: What Early Childhood Administrators Need to Know. Presented at Region X HSA, Portland State University.
Powerpoint (PDF)

Green, B. L. (June 2003). Effective Models for Mental Health Consultation in Early Childhood Settings. [Powerpoint slides]. NPC Research: Portland, OR.
Powerpoint