United Way of Morris County Events
Past Events

Challenging Children: Tapping Mental Health Resources to Help Children with Severe Behavioral Problems
Friday, February 3, 2006

Kicking.  Biting.  Throwing chairs.  Severe temper tantrums.  These are the kinds of disturbing behaviors that a growing number of very young children (under the age of five) are exhibiting, according to several of United Way of Morris County's partner child care centers.  Local child care centers have requested additional help from trained professionals to deal with the inappropriate and oftentimes unmanageable behavior exhibited by an increasing number of children.

In response, United Way brought together over 50 local child care center directors and early childhood educators on February 3, 2006 for a special seminar hosted by Wyeth, "Challenging Children: Tapping Mental Health Resources to Help Children with Severe Behavioral Problems."  The seminar convened a panel of experts in child behavioral health, including:

• Lou Dlugasch, Morristown Memorial Hospital
• Nancy Helterman, Morris School District
• Joyce Kwasney, P.G. Chambers School
• Tammy Rosenthal, Family Service of Morris County
• Lorri Sullivan, YCS.

Panelists shared information about the process for procuring services for troubled children and also answered specific questions from attendees.  The panel discussion was moderated by Barbara Ward, Court Appointed Special Advocate Program of Morris/Sussex County and United Way of Morris County volunteer.

The "Challenging Children" seminar was the second time that United Way brought early childhood educators together to focus on common issues, thanks to support from Wyeth.  In 2004, United Way convened almost 50 local child care center directors for a conference that focused on addressing the multitude of challenges they face, including tight budgets and staff turnover. Read more.

For more information about United Way's focus on early childhood education and Success By 6®, email Kathy Kwasnik.