The Health Foundation of Central Mass

28 P reschool should be a happy time when children develop social, intellectual, language, and emotional skills. Yet in some cases, children exhibit disruptive classroom behavior such as biting, kicking, screaming, and throwing things. Occasionally, this behavior can result in expulsion from preschool, and the consequences can be devastating. Recognizing the importance of providing a nurturing and supportive environment in which all children can grow, e Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts funded Together For Kids (TFK), a program designed to reduce suspensions for challenging behaviors in child care settings. In 2001, with support from e Health Foundation, more than 30 child care pro- viders, social service agencies, and other nonprofit organizations collaborated to enhance the mental health of children in Worcester. In the pilot year, the TFK Coalition implemented a mental health consultation model in two preschools, Worcester Com- prehensive Child Care Services and the YWCA of Central Massachu- setts, as well as a Head Start program in South County. Two other sites, Rainbow Child Development Center and the YMCA of Greater Worcester, were used for com - parison in the first year. During the following year, the two comparison sites be- gan receiving the intervention because of the staggered eval- uation plan and all five sites received the intervention that year and the year that followed. rough behavioral screen- ings over the three years, 208 children were discovered to be at risk for having social-emotional behavioral problems. at number trans - lated to one-third of all enrolled preschool children. e TFK Coalition also examined re- search and data from four day care centers in the Worcester area with a combined enrollment of more than 300 children. e program team found that 3% of children were so disruptive they were expelled or would have been if their parents did not voluntarily withdraw them. An addition- al 14% were identified as being at risk of expulsion. Dr. Jan Yost, e Health Foundation's founding president and CEO, said research showed a direct connection between sus- pending preschoolers and prison later in life. Citizens for Juvenile Justice supported her statement, reporting that the "school- to-prison pipeline" stems from frequent suspensions and expulsions that discon- nect students from their school commu- nity and put them at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. Consultation, training, and individual- ized intervention services helped parents and teachers gain knowledge and skills to understand and promote social-emotion- al development in young children, learn competent ways to cope, and respond appropriately to behavioral problems. Naptime was found to be one of the major triggers for disruptive behavior. e teachers and parents were taught to play specific soothing music as part of the sleep routine at school and at home. is strategy created consistency and had a calming ef - fect that also minimized bedtime tantrums. Together For Kids: Investing in Brighter Futures Timeframe: 2001 – 2009 Lead Organizations: United Way of Central Massachusetts; Community Healthlink Evaluator: UMass Medical School Total Amount Funded: $1.7 million SYNERGY INITIATIVE - ROUND 1

• Cover