Hitting or biting, the inability to adjust to classroom routines, out-of-control crying, language delays and sleep difficulties. It's a hidden epidemic: preschoolers expelled from their classrooms because of behavior problems at rates double that of children in state K-12 classrooms. Such expulsions can lead to further behavior problems and great difficulties in achieving both school readiness and later academic success.
A new preschool program called Cornerstone Classrooms at Wellspring Family Services in Seattle aims to help children ages 3- to 5-years old who are struggling to adjust to typical preschool programs by providing special classrooms staffed with teachers and therapists. It's only one of a few classrooms like this in the region.
Watch this week's Learning for Life as Judy Burr-Chellin, director of Parent/Child Services for Wellspring Family Services, talks about why so many children are expelled from preschool classrooms, why it's important to get these children help sooner rather than later, what families can do and how Cornerstone Classrooms are filling a need.
Learning for Life airs every Wednesday on KING 5 Morning News on KONG 6/16 TV between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.
Learn more and watch past Learning for Lifeseries and specials here.