Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS): A Social-Emotional Curriculum for Children

Monday, April 14. 6:00pm-7:30pm. Fidalgo Room.

Description

Social and emotional learning and its relationship to brain and cognitive development are critical to children, schools and society. Through interactive exercises, experience the diverse set of emotions, behaviors and cognitive skills that are essential for positive development and the capacity for compassion. Learn about a research-based strategy that fosters the development of social and emotional competence in preschool and elementary age children, and watch the curriculum in action through classroom videos. 

Presenter Bios 

Celene Domitrovich, PhD, Prevention Research Center, Penn State University

Celene E. Domitrovich is the Assistant Director of the Prevention Research Center for the Promotion of Human Development at Penn State University. The Prevention Research Center aims to promote the well- being of children and youth and to reduce the prevalence of high-risk behaviors and poor outcomes for children, families and communities through research, training and outreach. Dr. Domitrovich is interested in the development of social and emotional competence in young children, the role of parents and teachers in children’s acquisition of these skills, and how these skills are related to success in school.

Dr. Domitrovich recently collaborated with the original authors of the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) Curriculum to create a preschool version of the teacher-taught social-emotional program. It has been evaluated in two clinical trials funded by the Head Start Bureau and the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development. In addition to conducting research studies, Dr. Domitrovich spends her time working with local communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland evaluating educational and social programs designed to improve the lives of children and families. She enjoys traveling internationally talking about social-emotional learning and evidence-based programs.

Carol A. Kusche, PhD, University of Washington

Carol A. Kusché, PhD., is a psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist in private practice in Seattle, Washington. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington and faculty member at the Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute and at the Northwest Center for Psychoanalysis. Dr. Kusché is co-author of The PATHS Curriculum, Preschool PATHS, and PATHS for After School Care, as well as numerous articles and book chapters. She is a pioneer in the field of social-emotional literacy, having begun research and writing with PATHS in 1980. 

Rebecca Cortes, PhD, University of Washington

Rebecca C. Cortes is a co-author of the PATHS Preschool® curriculum which aims to enhance the social and emotional competence of preschool children. Currently, she is a Research Scientist and Project Director in the lab of Dr. Liliana Lengua in the Psychology Department at the University of Washington. Her research is focused on the emotional development of children and the role of parents in this process. Dr. Cortes also provides workshops for parents and teachers of young children on the art and science of mindful emotion coaching.