Mar 27, 2018, Emporia (KS) Gazette: CrossWinds holds open house at therapeutic preschool http://www.emporiagazette.com/area_news/article_6dbbfbcf-f93e-5991-bd62-abbd7d8e75cc.html CrossWinds staff invited guests to take part in an open house and ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the new CrossWinds Pre-K Monday afternoon. Located on the third floor of the First Christian Church at 202 E. 12th Ave., the therapeutic preschool helps socially and emotionally-troubled students by providing a unique learning experience throughout each three-hour class day. Curriculum focuses on emotional intelligence and management, and special areas located throughout the school — such as a “safe space” with padded flooring, pillows and blankets and a sensory room featuring a mini trampoline and Sit n’ Spins — allow children to work through negative feelings in an effective and productive way. While the official ribbon-cutting took place Monday, classes have been in session since early January and a total of eight students are currently enrolled. “It’s really been a great opportunity for the kids to come in and learn some emotional regulation skills,” said Jennifer Williams, therapeutic preschool director and outpatient therapist at CrossWinds. …We want them to know when they’re feeling a certain way, how to be aware of that and then know what to do to be able to calm down.” Clinical Director Tyson Prouse said his past experience with similar educational programs encouraged Williams and him to seek the creation of Emporia’s own therapeutic preschool when they saw a need. … With the success the school has already enjoyed, Amanda Cunningham, interim CrossWinds CEO, said the organization may look to expand the idea in the future. …
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.