Demonstrating the Links between Research, Practice & Policy in Early Childhood Mental Health June 16, 2009 NAEYC Office of Applied Research 18 th National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development Charlotte, North Carolina

2 “Expulsion” from Preschool? The Expulsion Question –Over past 12 months –Required terminating participation in program –Behavioral problem –No transition to more appropriate setting The Expulsion Question –Over past 12 months –Required terminating participation in program –Behavioral problem –No transition to more appropriate setting

3 PreK Expulsion Results: Nation 10.4% of PreK teachers expelled at least 1 child in past year due to behavior problems 1 child (78%); 2 children (15%); 3 children (6%); 4 children (1%) PreK Expulsion Rate = 6.7 / 1,000 K-12 Expulsion Rate = 2.1 / 1, % of PreK teachers expelled at least 1 child in past year due to behavior problems 1 child (78%); 2 children (15%); 3 children (6%); 4 children (1%) PreK Expulsion Rate = 6.7 / 1,000 K-12 Expulsion Rate = 2.1 / 1,000

4 Child Care Expulsion Rates Child Rates –Detroit, MI (Grannan et al., 1999; n=127; 28%) Rate = 28/1,000 –Massachusetts (Gilliam & Shahar, 2006; n=119; 64%) Rate = 27/1,000 (39% Classes) –Massachusetts (MA DOE, 2003; n=764; ?%) Rate = 2% expelled; 1% “suggested,” 1% transferred –Colorado (Hoover, 2006; n=1,075; 17%) Rate = 10/1,000 Center/Classroom Rates –Chicago, IL (Cutler & Gilkerson, 2002; n=195 I/T; 38%) Rate = 42% of Centers –Alaska (Alaska CCPO, 2005; n=493; 71%) Rate = 35% Centers Child Rates –Detroit, MI (Grannan et al., 1999; n=127; 28%) Rate = 28/1,000 –Massachusetts (Gilliam & Shahar, 2006; n=119; 64%) Rate = 27/1,000 (39% Classes) –Massachusetts (MA DOE, 2003; n=764; ?%) Rate = 2% expelled; 1% “suggested,” 1% transferred –Colorado (Hoover, 2006; n=1,075; 17%) Rate = 10/1,000 Center/Classroom Rates –Chicago, IL (Cutler & Gilkerson, 2002; n=195 I/T; 38%) Rate = 42% of Centers –Alaska (Alaska CCPO, 2005; n=493; 71%) Rate = 35% Centers

5 Expulsion Rates (per 1,000) Gilliam, WS & Shahar, G (2006). Preschool and child care expulsion and suspension: Rates and predictors in one state. Infants and Young Children, 19, Gilliam, WS (2005). Prekindergarteners left behind: Expulsion Rates in state prekindergarten programs. FCD Policy Brief, Series No. 3. Available: us.org/resources/resources_show.htm?doc_id=464280

6 State PreK Expulsion Rates

Classroom characteristics may contribute to (or fail to help) challenging behaviors. 7

8 Length of School Day Predicts Expulsion

9 High Child-Teacher Ratio Predicts Expulsion

10 Group Size & Teacher Stress Predict Expulsion (Child Care)

Worksheets, Flashcards & Rate of Expulsion 11

Dramatic Play Frequency & Rate of Expulsion 12

13 Teacher depression & job stress also predict expulsion.

14 Teacher Job Stress Predicts Expulsion

Increased interest in early childhood mental health consultation 15

16 Behavioral Consultation Predicts Decreased Expulsion Gilliam, WS (2005). Prekindergarteners left behind: Expulsion rates in state prekindergarten programs. FCD Policy Brief, Series No. 3.

17 Early Childhood Consultation Partnership Created in 2002 – Combination of State (DCF/SDE) and Private (CHDI) Funds Admin -Advanced Behavioral Health Available to Child Care and ECE Programs Serving 0- to 5-Year Olds Services Requested by Child Care Directors (Teachers & Parents) Created in 2002 – Combination of State (DCF/SDE) and Private (CHDI) Funds Admin -Advanced Behavioral Health Available to Child Care and ECE Programs Serving 0- to 5-Year Olds Services Requested by Child Care Directors (Teachers & Parents)

18 ECCP Results (F = 10.68**; d = 0.57)(F = 10.62**; d = 0.51)

19

20

Oppositionality % Significantly Impaired 21

22 Work Supported by: Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut (CHDI) Connecticut Department of Children & Families Connecticut Department of Education Foundation for Child Development Pew Charitable Trusts National Institute for Early Education Research A.L. Mailman Family Foundation Schott Foundation for Public Education Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut (CHDI) Connecticut Department of Children & Families Connecticut Department of Education Foundation for Child Development Pew Charitable Trusts National Institute for Early Education Research A.L. Mailman Family Foundation Schott Foundation for Public Education

For copies of complete reports and policy briefs Please visit: ziglercenter.yale.edu 23

24 Walter S. Gilliam, PhD Director, The Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy Child Study Center Yale University School of Medicine 230 South Frontage Road PO Box New Haven, CT Phone: ziglercenter.yale.edu