Each semester, we have a course project that we compile items for throughout the length of the course. My topic of challenge is preschool expulsion and what factors contribute to the increase in the amount of expulsions per year. Preschoolers are expelled five times more often than any other age group (Gilliam & Shahar, 2006). The stress that this compiles on a family is so many times over looked. Why are children being expelled? From the research, the most prevalent cause is aggressive behaviors caused by mental illness (Rizvi, 2013). Not only are the parents stressed, because they need to find care for their child and they have to maintain employment for the welfare of their family. So far, within the progress of this project, I am working on compiling all of the references that will be helpful to support the issues I will be discussing within the project. As part of the project, we are required to conduct two interviews with individuals that have a connection to the topic of study. I chose to interview Dr. Kimberly Fielding, a counselor for children and families that are or have experienced trauma. My other interviewee is a grandparent of a child that was expelled in preschool and has experienced many challenges with her grandchild and the affects of trauma on his/her mental health. I will leave the grandparent anonymous to protect their privacy. The main challenge with interviews is finding a compatible time to meet. We are all in fields that require a substantial amount of time.
The one idea that I connected with most was from the grandparent. The struggle to help a child and not know what you can do to help. I feel this struggle at my work with some children when we are dealing with behavior concerns. The not knowing is the hardest, especially when you have tried everything, you have used all the tools in your toolbox, but still no results. As a teacher, you feel like a failure, but what a feeling of discouragement as a parent. Sometimes, we don’t know and we need help to figure it out.
What support can be shown to parents and teachers when they feel at their absolute lowest when dealing with a child that has a mental health concerns?
References
Gilliam, W. S., & Shahar, G. (2006, July-September). Preschool and child care expulsion and suspension rates and predictors in one state. Infants & Young Children, 19, 228-245. Retrieved from https://www.ebscohost.com
Rizvi, S. (2013). Mental illness in the classroom: How educators can help students succeed. Retrieved from http://www.studyinsured.com/health-tips/educators-agents/student-mental-health/mental-illness
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