GivingGuide2019

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 12 At first glance, Childhaven’s early learning class- rooms look like that of any other childcare center or preschool. Look closer, however, and key differences become apparent. Lower than typical child-to-teacher ratios, for exam- ple, ensure that every child receives some one-on-one time during the day. Teachers are attentive to subtle emotional cues from the kids in their class, and help children name and process complex emotions. Another big difference? Childhaven has a no-expul- sion policy. “Across the nation, preschoolers are being expelled at rates at least three times that of K-12 students,” says Megan Beers, PhD, Childhaven’s Director of Quality Improvement. “Many of these children exhibit behaviors that early learning environments simply aren’t designed to support.” Childhaven is trying to change that. Beers, an infant mental health therapist by training, is helping Childhaven redesign infant care and pre- school classrooms to better serve a wider spectrum of children and get them ready for kindergarten. If a child in a typical preschool becomes too aggres- sive, he or she could be expelled. But at Childhaven, teachers are trained to look past the aggression and support the emotional needs that are driving it. Childhaven’s unique model blends early learning curriculum with mental health and home visiting services, and can effectively support children ex- periencing significant forms of adversity — such as homelessness, or having a parent who is struggling with mental illness or drug addiction. What if we gave all preschool teachers mental health training? After testing their innovative model, that’s exactly what Childhaven intends to do. “I see those expulsion statistics and think — boy, what a missed opportunity,” Beers adds. “Nearly all foundational brain development occurs during the child care and preschool years. Think of the difference we could make if we could find a way to support every child who comes through the system, regardless of what they’ve experienced.” Childhaven makes preschool more effective with mental health Since 1909, Childhaven has been a safe and caring place for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Today, our early learning, early intervention, and counseling programs support the well-being of all children and families in the communities we serve. More information is available at childhaven.org. By guest author, Childhaven PROVIDED BY CHILDHAVEN Children in Childhaven’s classrooms are given help with recognizing, naming, and managing complex emotions. This helps the children foster positive connections with one another — an essential skill for kindergarten and beyond. HELP US #GiveBig until May 8 givebig2019.org/childhaven Your support helps Childhaven provide care for our community’s most vulnerable children and families. One donation, twice the impact Help us raise $15,000 and your impact will instantly double through a challenge matching gift by a generous anonymous donor!