Exploring the local adaptation of a multimedia program for families with young children

Despite the long-standing focus on spread and scaling of programs in education, there is a lack of research on program adaptations and often limited guidance for educators and communities who must make adaptations when implementing new programs. This is especially true in the context of informal or family-based programs. This study contributes to this gap in the literature by exploring the scaling and local adaptation of a multimedia educational program intended for families with children ages 5–8 years. The team conducted a qualitative, participatory case study in partnership with a community-based organization that had agreed to implement and provide feedback on the pilot version of the program with primarily Spanish-speaking families. Development and collaborative review of the case study highlighted three primary adaptations that educators made to the program: (1) content selection, (2) bilingual support, and (3) facilitation strategies. In our paper, we explore how and why these adaptations were made to effectively serve families, and we describe implications for those seeking to develop programs that can be successfully and sustainably adapted for local communities.