In my place of work I have been dealing with Management about their desire to expel children from our center. I realize that there are children with some challenging behaviors. However, management desire is to expel children who bite, toddlers who hit and scratch other children who has toys they want and all this to please parents who are upset that their child is getting bit. Early Care Educators report that assistance with children's challenging behaviors is a great need. Often this is because they have "little training in behavior management or ways to promote social and emotional competence" (Perry, Holland, Darling-Kuria & Nadiv, 2011). Many early care programs are using mental health consultants in their programs to help provide the needed assistance. Currently at my job we have contracted mental health specialists that are with us for a six month rotation. One aspect of there job is to assist teachers in the classroom who are dealing with challenging behaviors. However, most come with no experience working with young children. We are suppose to have a Behavioral Health Specialist on staff, but because of budget cuts we have not been able to hire in that position. The challenge for me has been dealing with staff who are not able to recognize the difference between normal child development and possible emotional and/or behavioral problems.
So the question is should children be expelled from child care programs who exhibit challenging behaviors?
If so, under what circumstances?
References
Perry, D.F., Holland, C., Darling-Kuria, N., & Nadiv, S., (2011). Challenging behavior and expulsion from child care: The role of mental health consultation, Zero to Three.
In the case of your center and the situations you presented my stance is no children should not be expelled. From what I gather the Teachers at your center need to be trained in the developmental stages and processes of early childhood. The behaviors you are describing seem like normal social behaviors of children who lack communication and social skills. By no means should a child be given such a harsh punishment if they have not been taught how to properly conduct themselves in that environment. In my opinion the culture of the center reflects the training and background of the Educators. I almost feel sorry for the children. Good luck to you in this center and please for the children's sake keep striving for the change of this practice. Best, S.Banks
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