Article Citation: “To Address Behavior Issues, Preschools Turn to Therapy”, Wall Street Journal, 9/9/09, written by Sue Shellenbarger.
Link to original article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052970204348804574400612690410766.html#mod=todays_us_nonsub_pj
Interesting overview of the controversial new push, now offered in 29 different states, to embed mental health workers directly into preschool classrooms. These professionals work directly with students needing extra therapy or counseling to address behavioral issues at an early age in order to help them integrate better and improve their emotional well being.
Without addressing the funding issue, which we understand to be a fluid and changing situation under new governmental directives, this seems like a wise approach from an educator’s standpoint. Providing hands-on mental health counseling directly in the preschool classroom, where it isn’t uncommon for parents and other “helpers” to come and go regularly, and where the peer-perpetuated stigma attached to mental health needs (including the need for counselors/therapists) hasn’t yet developed, is reasonable and gives students with behavorial/emotional issues the best opportunity to succeed over the long term in a mainstream classroom environment.
Have you had any personal experience with a program like this as it relates to your own children, relatives, or other students in classes with your children? If so, what is your perspective on this? If not, would you have an open mind towards a classroom environment like this for your own kids?
Lori J. Skurka, M. Ed., has more than a decade of experience as an elementary classroom teacher. She now operates EleMental Learning, a private in-home tutoring company. She can be reached at (630) 355-5112 or via www.elemental-learning.com .
