Children from low-income families are more likely than their more advantaged peers to struggle with social-emotional challenges. This is because they are statistically more likely to have experienced multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (or ACEs), including food insecurity, neglect, abuse, exposure to violence, etc. This puts them at a significant academic disadvantage, as strong social-emotional skills—including the ability to form relationships, problem solve, demonstrate impulse control, and regulate emotions—are absolutely critical to school success.
Over the last several years, we have noted that more and more of our MLK students are struggling with social-emotional challenges, especially anger. In fact, last year, several of our students joined MLK after having been kicked out of a previous preschool program.
Supporting the Whole Child
At MLK Montessori, we do much more than just offer academic instruction. We support the whole child. That is why we have a comprehensive plan to support the social-emotional development and mental health of our students:
First, our educators and staff regularly participate in training focused on trauma-informed care.
We also help students to better understand and process their emotions. For example, when a child is feeling angry, they can go to a choice board, where they can select an appropriate response (e.g., taking deep breaths, going to the peace chair, playing with puddy, etc.). Last year, one student had really been struggling with his anger and would often throw chairs or engage in other dangerous responses. His teacher taught him that it is okay to feel angry but that he has different options for expressing his anger. By the end of the year, the student was asking to go to the choice board!
We always maintain a close, collaborative relationship with all families. However, we work extra closely with families of students who are exhibiting especially challenging behaviors. We connect with these families regularly to discuss their child’s progress, share child development knowledge, and explore strategies that can be used to support their child in school and at home (e.g., providing them with choices, using encouraging language, etc.).
Our Executive Director, Greta McKinney, holds a degree in Human Services from Purdue University as well as a master’s degree in Education from Indiana University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her strong background in mental health and family counseling is an invaluable asset to the students and families we serve. This year, she is providing free, one-on-one counseling to ten families in need.
We have also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bowen Center, the largest Community Mental Health Center in Indiana, to further assist families as needed.
Seeing Stronger Student Social-Emotional Wellness
We are thrilled to share that these extra efforts are paying off. We continue to see transformational changes in many of the students we serve, and we are confident that we are also empowering their parents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to strengthen their family now and in the future.
Of course, we cannot continue to do this without the support of our community. Help us offer more of the whole-child supports that our students need to succeed by contributing to MLK today. No gift is too small or too large!
