Press Releases

New United Way Program will Address Needs of Young Children
with Severe Behavioral Problems
Program Kicks Off at United Way Meeting, August 16, 2006

August 14, 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 Early Childhood Training Fellowship and Consultation Program, will provide child care staff with an unprecedented level of instruction and support that will help them better meet the needs of children in their care. The program 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 Early Childhood Training Fellowship and Consultation Program will kick off on Wednesday, August 16 at a meeting with United Way partner child care centers.  At the meeting, center directors will have the opportunity to provide feedback and receive additional information about the program before its first training class, which is scheduled for October 13, 2006.  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. 

United Way is confident that this new approach will alleviate some of the stress being felt by children, child care staff, and parents.  Kathy Kwasnik, United Way community impact manager said, "This program will provide our partners in early childhood education with a better understanding of young children's mental health issues and an expanded repertoire of approaches for handling children who act out.  We believe this program's benefits will be felt everywhere:  the child in crisis will find an understanding adult; teachers will experiences less stress; parents will learn how to respond to and address behavioral problems; and all children will benefit from a more harmonious classroom."

United Way chose YCS as a partner in this project because of the organization's expertise in infant and preschool mental health.  YCS is nationally recognized for its training and research programs, and is the only New Jersey facility licensed to provide infant and preschool mental health services. 

To find out more about United Way's focus on early childhood education, email
Kathy Kwasnik, or phone 973.993.1160, x130. 

About Youth Consultation Service
Founded in 1918, Youth Consultation Service (YCS) offers infants, children, youth, and their families a place where they can find hope, safety, and success.  YCS offers expertise in the fields of autism, behavioral health, foster care, infant and preschool mental health, psychiatry, special education, and violence prevention.  For more information, visit www.ycs.org or contact Lorri Sullivan at lsullivan@ycs.org. 

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