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KIDS ON THE BLOCK
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KIDS' KORNER

 

July 29, 2014                                                                                Issue #17

Over Twenty Percent of Children Show Signs of Mental Health Issues when Entering Kindergarten

Social competence and behavior problems that are evident at kindergarten and first grade are known to be strong predictors of a child's academic and social functioning. However, findings from a study suggest that psychosocial risk factors can be identified even earlier and can be observed during the transition from preschool to formal schooling.

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 SAVE THE DATE!! -- 
Sunday, November 2, 2014

 

                       Piedmont Park


               
EARLY REGISTRATION

                   UNTIL 9/1/2014: 

                          $30 for adults and $10 for kids

 

              Click here for more information and to register!!

 

NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH: 
Improving Children's Mental Health Care in an Era of Change, Challenge and Innovation:  The Role of the System of Care Approach

 

Last week Georgetown University's Center for Child and Human Development held it's 15th Biennial Training Institute in Washington DC.  Ellyn Jeager, MHA of GA's Director of Public Policy and Advocacy reports on the conference:  

 
One of the highlights of the conference was a special presentation:  The Power of Story Telling:  Digital Voices in a Digital Age.  Six young adults delivered a powerful message about the challenges they've experienced and how they moved onto living in recovery.  All are now active leaders in Youth N Action, which is a movement of young people across the United States working to ensure their voices are heard in helping to meet their needs.

 

Another high point of the conference was the Keynote Speaker Father Greg Boyle.  His presentation Barking to the Choir: Attachment Repair, Community, and the Gang Member was a powerful and emotional story of helping young people with serious challenges find a way to make better choices in their lives. Father Boyle started Homeboy Industries which provides opportunities for gang members to learn a skill and find employment.  Father Boyle is a sought after speaker and travels from state to state sharing his experiences working with troubled youth and the rewards he finds in doing this work. 

KIDS ROCK THE BLOCK!

 

July's Kid of the Month: Anna Perry

 

Anna Perry, age 10, likes to sing songs, play kickball, and go to the library with her friends. Anna was adopted from Korea by the Perry family when she was two years old. By the time Anna was four, her parents noticed that she was more active than other children, and she had so much energy that Anna says, "my parents got tired just looking at me sometimes!" 

 

Anna was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at age six. After speaking with her pediatrician, Anna and her parents went to a psychiatrist. Together with the help of her parents, with medication, and by working with her teacher, Mr. Beame, Anna manages her ADHD. How does Anna manage her wandering focus, her trouble organizing and paying attention, and her frequent difficulties staying on task? "I use strategies", says Anna.

 

To find out how Anna uses these strategies at school and at home, schedule a performance of the performances "Shhhh!!!!" or "Career Day" that feature Anna Perry.

DID YOU KNOW?

  
Facts about mental health in young children
 
The following facts are from SAMHSA about mental health in young children and preschool-aged children. 
  • Young children experience mental health challenges that impact early learning, social interactions, and the overall well-being of their families.
  • Between 9% and 14% of children from birth to 5 years of age experience social and emotional problems that negatively affect their functioning and development.
  • Mental health challenges among young children occur within the context of early childhood growth and development, during which children develop self-control and learn to tolerate frustration. 
  • A young child who withdraws regularly from social situations and
    experiences fear when interacting with others may have mental health needs.
  • Disruptive behaviors are the most common reason preschool children receive mental health services. 
  • Children's early mental health challenges may impact their preschool success and expulsion from daycare and pre-kindergarten programs are higher for children with disruptive behavior.
  • Young children who
    receive effective age-appropriate services and supports are more likely to complete high school, have fewer contacts with law enforcement, and improve their ability to live independently. 
LORIE'S UPDATE

 Lorie  

To what age audience does Kids on the Block cater its programming?  The general answer is kindergarten through grade 5, but over the years we have received numerous requests to perform for pre-kindergarten and preschool-aged children.  A while ago, the director of a child care program told me that the Kids on the Block program was important for preschoolers because she noticed that children displayed aggressive behaviors towards one another as early as 2 years old.  Being a prevention program, Kids on the Block is in the ideal position to work with teachers and caregivers to collaborate and begin important lessons about mental health at the earliest age, hopefully before children face severe stressors.  

 

Kids on the Block can cater to different audiences.  For instance, while puppets speak with older audiences about "I-Statements", and the importance of clear communication during problem-solving, the puppets also explain these concepts for younger children as well.  Puppets remind the children that when feelings are hurt, "don't use your hands, use your words!"  (The puppets let the audience finish the sentence by shouting out "WORDS!")  We collaborate with teachers and counselors to review some terminology or imagery that they may have discussed with the class.  One school counselor described feelings as "fishy feelings," and so during the discussion session, the puppets alluded to this phrase.  This familiar language will tie in our curriculum to any guidance lessons the children have already received outside of the puppet show.  

 

As children of young ages are beginning to be diagnosed with mental illnesses, it is crucial to begin covering topics such as how to cope with feelings and how to resolve conflict, as well as instill help-seeking behaviors in children on the preschool level.

 

 

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What people are saying about the Kids on the Block:

 

"What I learned today is that it is not right to do drugs, and don't follow your friend if they are taking a drug."  

-- Fourth Grader, Northside Elementary

 

"What I learned is that Anna had ADHD so that means she can't pay attention a lot and that she can't sit still."

-- Third Grader, Stoneview Elementary

 

"The kid-friendly display [of Kids on the Block], of the correct way to deal with these issues of conflict-resolution, was a great tool that our youth have visibly been putting into action."

-- Program Director, Carver Boys & Girls Club

   

 To schedule a Kids on the Block performance, please contact Lorie at [email protected]  

  

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

 

Kids on the Block is only one of many programs offered by MHA of Georgia to further our mission of enhancing the mental health of all Georgians through education, outreach and advocacy.

 

Click here to learn more about our programs.  Your support will help us continue our work educating Georgians about mental illness, working to eliminate stigma and advocating on behalf of people with  mental illness in our state.  Click here to support MHA of Georgia.