I am in a makeshift book club, so I just started reading a book called Atomic Habits. At the beginning of this book, the author, James Clear, talks about how the English Cycling Team looked at improvement from the standpoint of breaking down the complex world of bike racing and improving each component by just 1%. Ultimately, the English cycling team dominated cycling worldwide for a decade.

Every little thing counts - so take a look at today’s little something that will make a big difference in our kids' lives - and will also positively impact our community…

This morning I woke to an email from Cornell University informing me that I had passed my test and that my certification as a Professionally Registered Trainer of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention was extended for two more years.  Then at tonight’s school committee meeting, I spoke about developing a therapeutic program at our Taft Early Learning Center.  I did not anticipate being able to open this program because we lost classroom space when we needed to add three more preschool classrooms over the past year. So, with the assistance of our School Committee Chair, we looked at what the cost of space renovation would be.  I was happy that the committee supported this idea tonight. 

In an increasingly complex and challenging world, ensuring our children receive the best care and education possible, especially those who face unique struggles, is vital. This belief has led to the development of a Therapeutic Program at the Taft Early Learning Center in my district (Uxbridge) - a significant step towards inclusive, holistic education.  We have the program guide worked out on paper, and after tonight’s meeting – it will soon be time to implement it!

The Therapeutic Program (no name given yet), designed for students in grades K-3, will offer a specialized environment where children dealing with behavioral or emotional challenges can learn, grow, and thrive. This classroom is not merely a space, but a comprehensive program staffed by professionals trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools, administered by Cornell University.

There are numerous benefits to having this specialized program right within the Taft Early Learning Center. The primary one is that the children can remain in their familiar environment, surrounded by known faces, friends, and a school community that already forms part of their support system.  Their families can participate in school-wide events and even visit them in their classroom, which will remain close to home.

Continuity is a significant factor in a child's sense of security and comfort. By staying at the Taft, the children can maintain relationships with friends, participate in extracurricular activities, and continue to be part of the school community. This continuity is integral to their emotional well-being and can boost their academic performance. Furthermore, familiarity with the school infrastructure and staff ensures that the students feel secure and comfortable, which is crucial for their emotional development and learning.

The presence of trusted, known adults must also be considered. The teachers and staff at Taft are not just familiar faces; they're people who've already established a rapport with the children and understand their unique needs, personalities, and strengths.

The Therapeutic Classroom's staff will be specially trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools and integrated into the broader school community. This combination enables them to provide specific, tailored support while maintaining the continuity of care the children need. The pre-existing relationships between students and staff can foster trust, reducing anxiety and enabling more effective intervention.

Housing this Therapeutic Classroom within the school also has substantial financial advantages. Transporting students out of town for specialized education incurs significant costs, including transportation and tuition fees. By creating this inclusive environment within our school, we ensure the optimal allocation of resources, eliminating these extra expenses.

Furthermore, by investing in training for our existing staff, we are building their skills and creating a sustainable model that benefits our entire educational community. We make a ripple effect, empowering our team to handle crises better and promote a more harmonious, productive learning environment.

Developing a Therapeutic Classroom at the Taft Early Learning Center is a testament to our commitment to inclusive, accessible education – which aligns with three critical goals that our School Committee voted on.  By creating a nurturing environment within our school, we enhance the well-being of our students, support our staff, and optimize our resources. This investment in our children's future illustrates education’s transformative power when coupled with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to holistic growth.