Many families have reached out trying to better understand how to support their child when they are demonstrating behaviors that aren't easily calmed or redirected. This is just one of many resources. In addition, many pediatrician's offices have begun to build into their practices Behavioral Health or Family Support services. Please share with any family you know struggling to understand or support a child demonstrating behavior that is hard to manage.
January 3rd marked the official launch of 25 Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHC) across the state, with Advocates operating these clinics in Framingham and Waltham. Attached please find a brochure describing these new crisis, urgent, and routine mental health and substance use services for people of all ages.
Danielle Dunn, LMHC | Vice President of Integrated Clinical Services
Pronouns: her, hers, she
M (508-309-0665)
ddunn@Advocates.org | www.Advocates.org
Article: 4 Key Social Emotional Learning Skills for Preschool Students
Social and Emotional Skill Progression in Preschool | Edutopia
https://www.edutopia.org/article/social-and-emotional-skill-progression-in-preschool
1. Preschoolers learn how to operate in a classroom. That means they are eager to participate and help out in class. They pay attention to the overt nonverbal cues of peers and adults, listen carefully to what classmates and adults say, cooperate in groups (taking turns, asking for and giving help), and follow directions. They learn to adhere to norms about safety, health, and appearance (including being willing to be cleaned up; avoiding electrical outlets, fan blades, and similar dangers; and avoiding putting inappropriate things in their mouths).
2. They learn about basic emotions. Preschoolers should show at least some concern for the distress of others even though they may be reluctant to help out without adult prompting or guidance. They should share in the joy of others. They should recognize and label the following emotions in themselves, in others, and in pictures: sadness, anger, happiness, fear, surprise, upset, worry, and pride.
Spend time encouraging preschoolers to identify aspects of themselves or their actions about which they are proud. They will learn to express these important facts.
3. They will develop conversational vocabulary around key social situations. Some children will use gestures, pictures before words. It is important to honor and encourage all forms of social communication. Young children need to be helped to find the words for common situations they will find themselves in. These include using words when they want something or are frustrated, asking for help, helping others, thanking or in other ways showing gratitude, showing concern, and talking about accomplishments.
4. They should start practicing key concepts for social and emotional literacy. When Grover, on Sesame Street, talks to kids about near and far, he is taking a page out of Myrna Shure’s ICPS playbook. She and George Spivack identified key word “pairs” that are the foundations of human relationships and problem-solving. These create brain architecture and executive functioning so that children can understand the world around them. In addition to talking about near and far, help preschoolers understand these concepts by using these words often:
Who is in the book (if child can’t answer verbally, point to the character and ask Who is this? Or ask them to point to “who” is in the book.)
Where are they? (if child can’t answer verbally, point to surroundings and ask Are they in a house? Are they outside? etc.Or ask them to point to “where” the book takes place.)
What are they doing?
What did you like about this book?
Natick Preschool 2023-2024
Through district-wide planning for next school year, it has been determined that there will not be any preschool classroom offerings at Lilja School and Memorial School for the 2023 - 2024 school year due to an increase in K-4 enrollment designated for those schools. For the 2023 - 2024 school year, we will maintain classrooms at Natick High School (15 West Street), East School (90 Oak Street) and we are excited to be adding a new classroom location at Bennett-Hemenway School (22 East Evergreen Rd). Natick Preschool families who attend preschool at Lilja and Memorial and have expressed interest in returning next year will be notified of their classroom locations soon. Teacher assignments are finalized later in the spring.
Our adult brains plan many months in advance, however, young learner brains still operate on a day to day basis. Even though we as teachers and parents are planning and preparing for next year, our interactions with the children can remain very focused on the here and now. We look forward to the many more months of learning we have together this year!
As always, please feel welcome to reach out with any questions. ~MaryBeth
- Reminder for Parents Who Want to Volunteer--CORI Checks
Reminder If you want to volunteer in schools, you must have a CORI check conducted and you must go into the building with identification (drivers license or passport) to do this. Click here for description of what a CORI check is and does. Without a CORI check, you cannot volunteer in the school. Here is the form to fill out for a CORI. Preschool volunteer opportunities include being a Mystery Reader for the class, presenting a family tradition and supporting special projects.
- With the spread of the Flu, SARS, and COVID, we ask that you take the necessary health and safety precautions to be mindful of your fellow families and your child’s teachers. Remember, we are a flexible mask culture, if you have been exposed we encourage you to please wear a mask. If you have sick kids, we encourage you to stay home as well. Take the time you need to heal yourself or your family.
