Press Releases
New United Way Program Will Give Preschool Teachers Tools, Skills to Help Young Children with Severe Behavioral Problems
October 11, 2006 – Morristown, NJ – Kicking. Throwing chairs. Screaming. Biting. These are the kinds of disturbing behaviors that a growing number of preschoolers are exhibiting, according to several of United Way of Morris County's partner child care centers. These behaviors are not just children acting out; they are often signs of more serious issues. Left unaddressed, developmental issues can occur, leading to continued problems for the child, as well as those around them in the school systems.
Child care staff often attempt to help troubled preschoolers during their stressful outbursts, but find that they cannot reach them with traditional methods of empathy and discipline. Local child care centers have turned to United Way to help them serve troubled preschoolers, whose behavior often leads to termination from centers, a negative self-image, and a label of "difficult" before they even reach kindergarten.
In response, United Way has developed a new program in partnership with Youth Consultation Service (YCS) to address the needs of troubled preschoolers in Morris County. This new initiative, the Preschool Mental Health Initiative, will provide intensive staff training and skill-building in early childhood development and mental health for 25 select child care staff. In addition, it will provide on-site mental health intervention support at child care centers for children with disruptive behaviors.
The Preschool Mental Health Initiative will offer its first training series to 25 preschool teachers from United Way partner child care centers on Friday, October 13, 2006 from 9am to 3pm. At the training, YCS will offer invaluable information and training for teachers to help them better manage children with severe behavioral issues. The program is currently limited to United Way partner child care agencies, but may be opened to non-affiliated centers in the future, if additional funding is secured.
To find out more about United Way's focus on early childhood education, email Kathy Kwasnik or phone 973.993.1160, x130.
About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.
Contact
Jean Funk
Marketing Communications
United Way of Morris County
973.993.1160, x114
Email
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